January/February 2006

Editor's Message

By Rogena Schuyler Silverman

Raising Awareness

This year began on a familiar note with a TV broadcast of music icon Dick Clark—affectionately known as "America's Oldest Teenager"—welcoming in the new year. However, what made this different from previous years was that it marked the 76-year-old announcer's first appearance since he was sidelined in December 2004 by a debilitating stroke. With his characteristic professionalism and dignity, a fragile-but-determined Clark referred to his year-long recovery period. "I had to teach myself how to walk and talk again," he reflected. "It's been a long, hard fight. My speech is not perfect, but I'm getting there."

Someone suffers a stroke every 45 seconds—it is the third leading cause of death in America. Stroke entails a long, difficult recovery for both its victims and their families. Besides claiming nearly 168,000 annual fatalities, stroke is also a leading cause of severe, long-term disability. Despite these statistics, a recent survey conducted by the American Stroke Association (ASA) revealed that only 2% of American adults are concerned with stroke as a disease or health condition that might affect them—50% do not even consider themselves at risk. The fact is, stroke affects individuals of all ages. However, an increasing amount of evidence indicates that stroke is highly treatable, but the time in which its effects can be reversed is short. Hence, recognizing the warning signs is imperative to giving the patient a better opportunity of minimizing possible disabilities…or worse.

For the majority of stroke patients, rehabilitation is one of the most important elements of recovery, and should be undertaken as soon as possible after the occurrence (and can continue indefinitely). Therapists usually start evaluation of stable patients within a couple of days after the stroke, beginning a regimen during the hospital stay and beyond. Here is where the services of such specialists as physical and occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and nurses become invaluable in helping overcome stroke-related physical limitations. The hands-on services offered to stroke patients and their families include relearning such basic skills as speaking, dressing, and walking; and often the very rudimentary elements of survival like eating, bathing, and toileting habits. The ultimate goal: to restore confidence and improve function so that the patient can become as independent as possible.

After all, it was sheer determination and hundred of hours of hard work with rehabilitation experts that brought Dick Clark back into the public eye on New Year's Eve. Clark is to be applauded for his tenacity in facing the challenges of his stroke head-on and for being an inspiration to all who have been affected by this debilitating disease.

On a final note, as the incoming editor of Rehab Management, I'm excited about learning more about this ever-evolving facet of the medical arena. I also look forward to the challenge of continuing to bring to the readership of this well-established publication the most recent and cutting edge applications, modalities, and treatments available in physical rehabilitation. And, of course, I will always welcome any suggestions or comments on content, as they will enable me to provide the most comprehensive and relevant coverage of this progressive field.

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