Eljon On Chit Chat!

When I was in Grenada a few weeks ago, I had the privilege of being interviewed by the wonderful and talented Lexan Fletcher, host of the show, Chit Chat. We spoke about strokes and she even showed the film I wrote, Docket 32357! I had such a great time speaking with her especially because this was the first time we met in person! We had been in communication for some time over email and FB. Once I saw her in person, it was like catching up with an old friend.

I am so grateful for opportunity to continue to tell my story. Thank you to Lexan and the crew of Chit Chat. I'm looking forward to returning to Grenada and stopping by again for a visit!

Click on the link to check out the interview and the little film that could now in 18 FESTIVALS!
Docket 32357 and Eljon Interview

My Thought For Today

I found this picture when I was going through my stuff today. It stopped me because this is the last picture of me before having my stroke and going to the hospital. Even in this pic, I wasn't feeling right. I keep scanning my face and trying to remember details of the day kicking myself for not going to the doctor sooner.

But what can you do? I can't hold onto the past. I can just learn from it. Thank you again for reading and being a part of my journey.

I'm almost at 20,000 hits. Thank you for helping to spread the word about preventing strokes!

Surviving Sandy

The Northeast went through the worst Superstorm in its history last week. Hurricane Sandy ripped through states leaving people without power, heat or hot water. While I was blessed to have a roof over my head, I lost all three of those for 5 days. There's only so much one can do by candlelight and by Day 2/3, I went a little stir crazy.

The darkness inside my apt. with candles lit.

People get sick, we all know this and we all have home remedies on how to get over things like colds, or coughs. Shots of rum and honey and lemon, a garlic necklace, etc. But what do you do when you're in a real medical emergency and have no way of getting through to anyone?
During Sandy, I couldn't help but think about how people in medical emergencies were faring. The pregnant Mothers, heart attacks and strokies out there who couldn't get in touch with the police or a hospital must have been terrified. What did they do? How did they get through it all being at home without access to medical professionals?

I cannot stress enough how important it is to have a first aid kit at home complete with all the fixins including ASPIRIN. I have gone on several rants regarding the power of aspirin. It saves lives. Please please keep a bottle of Bayer in the house in your first aid kit for times like these. You never know when you'll be in a situation like this. I certainly didn't expect the storm to be that bad and for it to cause as much destruction as it did. Be prepared!

Prepare for the unexpected!

Stroke Awareness Month Eve

It's the last day of April! Stroke Awareness Month is almost here! Even if you didn't have a stroke or don't know anyone who had a stroke, chances are, you will so why not learn about the signs? Take the time at least ONCE during the month of May to learn about how you can make a difference in someone's life. Knowledge is power.

You never know who you can save. I've said it a lot but I'll say it again. Know when to act F.A.S.T.

Face look uneven?
Arm hanging down?
Slurred speech?
Time to call 911!

Power To End Stroke

According to http://www.powertoendstroke.org/

• African Americans have almost twice the risk of first-ever strokes compared to Caucasians.
• African Americans have higher death rates for stroke compared to Caucasians.
• The prevalence of high blood pressure in African Americans in the United States is the highest in the world.

Stay healthy, eat right, know the risks!

Minutes matter when dealing with strokes.  A minute saved are brain cells saved.