Improving outcomes for stroke survivors

When Tiger Woods tied for fifth place at Bay Hill last March, it showed that his two-year-long recovery from knee and back surgeries was paying off. Now Tiger fans expect fewer strokes every time he plays.

That same principle of stroke recovery applies to the 7 million Americans who are stroke survivors. But far too many aren’t getting back in their game because they’ve missed essential post-stroke recovery steps. According to the American Heart Association, fewer than 1 in 100 stroke survivors is following all the recovery guidelines. They include: not smoking, getting regular physical activity, eating a healthy diet, plus achieving normal body mass index, blood pressure, glucose levels and total cholesterol. And we’d add two more: Learning how to manage stress and getting post-stroke rehab.

Rehab – done as early as possible – boosts quality of life. It involves putting together a team of doctors, family, caregivers, physical and occupational therapists, nutritionists and others. To help figure this out, check out www.strokeassociation.org. Search for “Choosing the Right Stroke Rehab Facility.”

To meet the dietary guidelines: Adopt the MIND Diet (Mediterranean-DASH Diet Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay) to protect the brain. To reduce the increased post-stroke risks of elevated glucose, BP and LDL cholesterol levels and ease depression and fatigue, boost your physical activity, along with medical management, if needed.

Mehmet Oz, M.D. is host of “The Dr. Oz Show,” and Mike Roizen, M.D. is Chief Wellness Officer and Chair of Wellness Institute at Cleveland Clinic. To live your healthiest, tune into “The Dr. Oz Show” or

visit www.sharecare.com.