WORLD STROKE DAY 2015

World Stroke Day 2015

Today is World Stroke Day 2015, which aims to emphasise the serious nature and high rates of stroke. It also aims to raise awareness of the prevention and treatment of the condition, and ensure better care and support for survivors.

Stroke is the second leading cause of death in those over 60 years of age and the third leading cause of disability-adjusted life years worldwide.

There are many organisations focusing on different themes today however we have chosen to flag the World Stroke Organizations campaign. It resonates with us as we focus our efforts on providing clothing for women post-stroke, who may now find dressing more difficult as a result of the stroke’s impact on their physical and/or cogitative skills.

‘I am Woman’

The theme for the World Stroke Organization’s World Stroke Day 2015 is ‘I am Woman’. The campaign focuses on women because a woman is: 

• more at risk of having a stroke.
• more likely to die from a stroke than a man.
• less likely to receive acute care and rehabilitation than a man, even though she responds equally well to treatment.
• more likely to experience a severe decline in cognitive function, and runs a higher risk of post-stroke depression and instutionalisation.
• more likely than men to experience hypertension, atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat), diabetes, depression and obesity, all of which increase stroke risk.
• more likely to take on the caregiving role.

Stroke affects women, stroke affects everyone

There are certain strokes, which are more specific to women with the risk of stroke increased by pregnancy related diabetes, use of the birth control pill and hormonal changes.

The World Stroke Organization’s main aim for the day is to encourage women to make healthier lifestyle choices and get a health check.

The Able Label Stroke Clothing

Strokes can make daily life more difficult. In particular, dressing can become a struggle. The Able Label specialises in providing quality, comfy, stylish clothing that is all easier to dress. Velcro fastening, wrap around styles and nothing dressed over the head all aid physical difficulties faced when dressing. In addition, we also provide help for the cognitive difficulties that may be faced after a stroke. All styles have colour co-ordinated internals to help prevent items being dressed incorrectly or the wrong way around. Lime is for left and red is for right.

Su wearing The Able Label's 'Su Jersey Wrap Dress'

The Verdict

Su is lives in London and is twenty-four years post stroke. The stroke affected her left side resulting in a fixed flexion in her elbow limiting use of her left arm meaning dressing is with one hand.

Su has tried the clothing and in particular, loved the wrap dress in gingko print navy. She loved it so much, that we decided to name the dress after her.

She commented on how comfortable the clothes were on and how they were “pretty yet practical”.

More Information

Get involved and help share information about stroke prevention to help avoid preventable stroke and cardiovascular disease.

To find out more about stroke and World Stroke Day, visit World Stroke Organization’s website: 

http://www.worldstrokecampaign.org/get-involved/world-stroke-day-2015.html

For further information on The Able Label clothing which aims to support survivors by encouraging independence and self-esteem, visit: https://www.theablelabel.com

WORLD OSTEOPOROSIS DAY 2015

World Osteoporosis Day 2015

Spreading Awareness for World Osteoporosis Day 2015

Today is World Osteoporosis Day, and at The Able Label, we feel it’s important to raise awareness and support organisations helping the very people that our products were designed to benefit.

Please help us spread this information, to let people know what Osteoporosis is, how it affects people and what Osteoporosis Day is about.

The key theme for this year is a call to us all - the majority of people not getting the recommended daily allowance of calcium, vitamin D and protein.

What is Osteoporosis?

Bone health begins in the womb so good nutrition is key to strong bones throughout life. As a child, bones grow and repair very quickly however this process slows, as you get older.

Osteoporosis is a fairly common condition, which weakens bones making them fragile and more likely to break.  It affects around 3 million people in the UK, with the most common types of breaks that can affect people being wrist, hip and vertebrae fractures.

What is Osteoporosis Day?

World Osteoporosis Day takes place on 20th October every year and is organised by the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF). It aims to raise global awareness of the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of osteoporosis and metabolic bone disease.

Osteoporosis Day 2015

Nutrition across all ages is the theme this year with the majority of people not getting the recommended daily allowance of calcium, vitamin D and protein. These are all crucial to bone health.

The big 3: key nutrients for building stronger bones:

1. Calcium

• Vital for strong bones and is a major building block of our skeleton.
• Essential for healthy nerve and muscle function.
• Your body will take calcium from bones and weaken them if you do not supply your body with the amount it needs.
• Calcium is most commonly available through milk and other dairy foods.
• For those who are unable to eat dairy products, other food sources include green vegetables like broccoli and curly kale; whole canned fish; nuts and tofu.

2. Vitamin D

• Key in helping the body to absorb calcium from the intestines and ensuring the correct renewal and mineralisation of bone.
• Risk of falls reduced as muscle strength and balance improved
• UV-B rays in sunlight can make this in the skin.
• It is recommended that individuals should try to get 10-20 minutes of sun exposure to bare skin outside peak sunlight hours daily without sun cream (taking care not to burn).
• Oily fish; egg yolk and liver are also sources of vitamin D.
• Vitamin D deficiency can cause rickets and lead to ‘softening’ of the bones.

3. Protein

• Essential amino acids, which support bone building, are provided to the body by protein.
• Skeletal growth can be affected as well as the preservation of bone mass with ageing due to insufficient protein.
• Reduced muscle mass and strength can come from lack of protein leading to increased risk of falls.
• Protein supplements can help reduce post-fracture bone loss, medical complications and rehabilitation stay in hospital of hip fracture patients.

Old Age and Osteoporosis – sustain mobility and independence

Preventative measures including a healthy diet will lower the risk of osteoporosis-related fractures. Calcium levels can lower as you age as consumption may be reduced with decreased appetite or illness; decreased absorption into the intestines and decreased calcium retention by the kidneys. Levels of vitamin D may be lower due to reduced sunlight exposure being housebound; decreased function of the skin to take in vitamin D.

Dietary protein is needed to maintain physical function in older people. It has also been seen to reduce risk of complications and rehabilitation time of those with hip fractures. Those aged over 50 who have suffered a fall from standing height or less should be tested for osteoporosis.  

If you would like to know more about World Osteoporosis Day, take a look at the official website: http://www.worldosteoporosisday.org.