Could Sherman's stroke have been prevented?

Powerful Patient, 2011 Week 22

Host: Joyce Graff, http://powerfulpatient.org, editor@vhl.org 800-767-4845

Beginning July 21, 2011 Listen

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Government contractor Sherman Turner thought fighting discrimination in the workplace was his hardest battle - until he suffered a paralyzing stroke, losing most of his memory and his ability to speak.

As part of his rehabilitation, his doctors suggested learning another language to "wake up" key parts of his brain.  After immersing himself in the Kenyan culture, Turner regained his speech and began the long road to recovery.

"Looking back, I wish I would have known the signs to watch for," says Turner. "I'm not sure I could have prevented the stroke completely, but I wonder if I could have made it less of a threat. Everyone needs to know the signs of a stroke. It could make all the difference."

Turner writes of his struggles in his new book, Kenya: Rehabilitation: The Sherman Turner Story Part II in time for National Stroke Awareness Month.