Nur Izzati binti Erlen Joni

ISSUE 1
JANUARY
2015
KDN PP 10647/04/2013 (032074)
There’s
no stopping student
Nur Izzati binti
Erlen Joni
who suffered
a stroke
at the age of 19
In Malaysia, as many as six people suffer a stroke every hour!
Founder Chairman’s Message
As yet another year gently unfurls itself, I find myself in the midst of much hope
and excitement. NASAM had a great year in 2014 and as always, when we are
facing a new year, we wish and hope to achieve much, much more. We remain
committed and passionate towards impacting the lives of thousands of stroke
survivors. We will continue to dedicate our services to helping them embrace and
celebrate a new life.
It is this celebration of life that makes a difference and inspires us to forge ahead.
Let me take a moment in this issue, to reflect on a recent event. I was at our club
in Johor, in early December, with a group of visitors from Singapore. Six of our
members decked in hula skirts, coconut shells and colourful garlands, swayed
and danced a Hawaiian welcome dance. Throughout the performance the men
and women wore broad smiles and moved with ease, confidence and grace. At
first glance, no one would have guessed that they had a stroke. They were truly
‘Celebrating Life After Stroke’.
Stroke rehabilitation at NASAM focuses on mind, body and spirit. It’s the
whole person, not just the arm and the leg. What the six sporting hula dancers
demonstrated that day is courage and a strong belief in themselves. They took the
first step and changed their mindset from denial to one of accepting that they have
had a stroke. They worked hard at embracing a new life after stroke, and are now
determined to live life to the fullest. To me that’s not only a great achievement but
a celebration. Thank you to the six sporting members for living up to NASAM’s
vision, and to numerous others who have triumphed after stroke.
Thus in 2015, as in other years, we will continue in our journey to inspire, educate
and make a difference. I wish to stress here that a journey of this magnitude
cannot be accomplished without the wonderful support of friends and volunteers.
We remain grateful and thank you from the depths of our heart.
I wish you an amazing 2015!
Janet Yeo
Founder Chairman
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2
Inspiration
LIFE AFTER
STROKE
Stroke news
met Nur Izzati at her family home in Kuala Lumpur on November 25, 2014, just
a few days before she was to resume her campus life, which was suddenly interrupted some seven
months earlier when she suffered a stroke. The youngest of four children, Izzati had, until then, grown
up carefree and happy. She had many friends, excelled academically and even found time to dabble in
a small business - selling imported fabrics. At home, she admits being doted on by her parents - father
Erlen Joni, a taxi driver and mother Delmiar binti Marjunis, a nasi lemak seller – and three older
siblings. While stroke may have dampened her spirits initially, strong family support, friends and
good care soon put her back on track. Today there’s no stopping the cheerful 20-year old. She hopes
that over the next six years she will achieve her goals of graduating with a Masters in Islamic Banking
and becoming a successful business woman and motivational coach.
It’s the last week of April 2014. Nur Izzati binti Erlen Joni, a 19-year old diploma student is bubbling with
excitement. She has managed, without a hitch, to fulfil everything on her plate. She had completed her internship
with the accounts department at Majlis Perbandaran Selayang, Kuala Lumpur, returned to Polytechnic Sultan
Idris Shah in Sabak Bernam, Kuala Selangor and handed in her Presentation as required by the college.
To celebrate, Zati as she is fondly known as, travelled
to Malacca on April 30, to spend a few days with her
older sister. The visit, she recalls, was most rewarding
as she managed to ‘chill out’ and also go on shopping
sprees. On the evening of May 2, she returned to her
home in Selayang Baru with her parents. When it
was time to alight from the car, she experienced great
difficulty. Her right leg and hand felt weak and numb.
With help, she somehow forced herself out.
After a short rest Zati could walk independently to the
bathroom, have a shower and dress herself. “When I
finally joined my family in the living room I could
not control my tears,” she recalls. “My family too
was devastated, although they tried to put up a brave
front and reassure me. But we were all not wholly
convinced it was a stroke because I felt almost normal
in a short while. Moreover, I did not have any health
issues.”
The discomfort disappeared swiftly so she didn’t give
it much thought. After a meal she went to bed. When
she woke up the next morning she could not move
her right side. She struggled to get up and eventually
fell out of bed. “I was shocked and confused,” said
Zati. “As I lay there I feared it was a stroke, because
I had been in discussions with friends about diabetes
and high blood pressure, and resulting diseases
and symptoms. After several attempts to get up, I
succeeded and managed to open my room door. I
called for my mother and shared with her what had
happened to me.”
The next day or 24 hours later, the family was still
in a quandary and pondering over the best course of
action. Zati, meanwhile, had another attack and fell
on the floor while walking in the house. Her parents
and siblings struggled to get her back to bed. It was no
mean feat because Zati weighed 100kg at that time.
After the second fall she lost confidence and started
to rely on a wheelchair to move around. “I was in a
daze,” she said. “My mind kept wandering, I couldn’t
comprehend what was happening to me. I slept
most of the time.” By then the family had come to
3
a decision. They were going to take Zati to a private Zati began therapy at the Malacca centre on May 20.
hospital in Malacca the next day.
She committed herself to a daily, 2 ½ hour regime
including one-to-one therapy at the centre. Her session
It was 72 hours after her first TIA (Transient Ischaemic consisted strengthening therapy for her upper and
Attack also known as mini stroke) when she reached lower limbs, balance exercises, gait practice without
the hospital. By now her right leg and arm were a walking aid and endurance training. At home she
paralysed and she was dribbling at the mouth. She repeated the exercises and watched her diet, eating
could speak, though it took a little longer to find the
right words. As the neurologist was not available, Zati
returned to her sister’s home. Finally, two days later,
by which time it was day six since the first attack,
she returned to the hospital and saw the consultant
neurologist.
A series of tests were done, followed by an MRI the
next day that confirmed that Zati had suffered multiple
mini strokes in her left brain. She was immediately
put on medication and was given an appointment
for a follow-up visit a week later. The consultant
neurologist, who attended to her, was confident that
with prompt and proper rehabilitation therapy she
could recover fast, especially as she had no other Zati got her strength from her mother (left) who was her caregiver.
health issues such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
healthy foods, such as fish and vegetables and cutting
She was, however, advised to lose weight.
back on fried items. She also added fresh juices to her
The consultant also cautioned of a genetic disorder. daily diet. For the first week at NASAM she relied
Zati then learned that she was born with a condition on her wheelchair. After that she graduated to using
that constricts blood vessels
a cane. “I felt more reassured
in the brain. This causes the
with professional help and
brain to receive less blood
soon became more confident
than normal, leading to
that I could get over this
severe headaches, nausea,
challenge,” explained Zati,
seizure and stroke.
a left-hander and a student
“When the doctor warned me to be careful, as the who used to participate actively in sports and other
stroke could recur, I was sad, so was my family. But curricular activities. “I wanted so badly to get back to
we were happy that I had been given a second chance my life before the stroke so I worked hard at the centre
and set out to seek treatment. The therapy at the and at home. My family, friends and the therapists
hospital was too expensive so my sister googled and kept encouraging me. If ever I got depressed it was
only when I thought of how my education had been
came across NASAM Malacca.”
disrupted.”
“Don’t lose hope.
Have a goal.”
Therapy by the beach – Zati with NASAM Malacca members.
4
Six months later, in the middle of November, the
plucky young lady stopped her therapy at the Malacca
centre so that she could continue her education. Her
achievements, when we met, are very visible – she
does not require a cane and moves and speaks with
confidence. Her weight has dropped to 93kg from her
pre-stroke weight of 100kg. The only tell tale sign of
her stroke encounter is a very slight limp. “After the
stroke I have become much calmer and emotionally
stronger,” added Zati. “I am grateful to God for
giving me a second chance. Don’t assume you can
escape stroke because you are young, it can happen
to anyone. Please rush to the hospital if you have any
symptoms,” she strongly advises.
Her message to stroke survivors: “Don’t lose hope.
Have a goal. In my case it was studies. Surround
yourself with supportive people and go to a centre
like NASAM where you will be motivated by
professionals, as well as others like you who are
working hard to recover. It is a highly motivational
environment.”
Zati resumed her diploma studies in Islamic Banking
and Finance on December 1, 2014 at the Polytechnic
Sultan Idris Shah, Sabak Bernam, seven months after
her first stroke. This feisty young lady will graduate in
November 2015, with a diploma in Islamic Banking
and Finance and plans to go on to University and,
eventually, do her Masters.
What Is TIA?
Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA) or mini stroke
is a warning sign of a stroke. TIA is caused
by temporary interruption of blood supply to
the brain and this interruption deprives brain
cells of oxygen and nutrients. It has the same
symptoms as stroke, but unlike stroke these
symptoms only last for a few minutes to several
hours. About 40% of people with TIA will have
a stroke within 5 years. Hence, it is important
to seek medical attention as soon as you notice
the onset of any symptoms of stroke.
“
Don’t
assume you
can escape stroke
because you are
young.
Ischaemic Stroke
A clot blocks blood flow
to an area of the brain.
When Should Stroke How Long
Rehabilitation
Does Stroke
Begin?
Rehabilitation Last?
Early rehabilitation is crucial. The sooner
rehabilitation therapy begins, the quicker the
brain re-learns normal movements. Stroke
rehabilitation should start soon after the doctor
declares that the stroke survivor is medically
stable. Rehabilitation may begin a day after
stroke and can be continued after the stroke
survivor is discharged from the hospital.
The length of rehabilitation varies from person to
person. It depends on the severity of the stroke
and related complications. A stroke survivor’s
will and desire to recover plays a significant part
in the recovery. Good family support and an
encouraging environment will greatly facilitate
a stroke survivor’s recovery.
5
NASAM News
PREVENTING
STROKE
Stroke can happen to anyone. In Malaysia, as many
as six people experience a stroke every hour, and a
World Health Organisation 2014 report states that it
is the second leading cause of death in this country.
Yet, stroke is the most preventable of all lifethreatening illnesses, says Dr Abdullah Asad
Siddique, Emergency Physician & Occupational
Health Doctor at Ara Damansara Medical Centre,
Petaling Jaya. “All you have to do is pay more
attention to how you manage your life.”
How can you prevent stroke? According to Dr
Asad some of the factors that can put you in the risk
category of stroke and which cannot be modified are:
• your age – as you grow older you are at higher risk
• your race – mostly those with higher risk for high blood pressure
• your sex – men are more likely than women to get stroke
• family history
• previous stroke or heart attack
• TIA (Transient Ischaemic Attack or mini stroke)
He adds that while we cannot change the risk factors,
there are simple lifestyle changes we can make to
reduce the risk of stroke. These are:
• get health checks
• stop smoking
• eat healthy and exercise regularly
• control diabetes and blood pressure
• avoid drinking large amounts of alcohol in one go
6
Signs of Stroke
(FAST)
It Is A Medical Emergency
Facial Drooping
Ask the person to smile.
Does one side of the face droop?
Arm Weakness
Ask the person to raise both arms.
Does one arm drift downward?
Speech Difficulty
Ask the person to repeat a simple
phrase. Is their speech slurred or
strange?
Time To Call
If you observe any of these signs,
call 999 immediately.
NASAM News
COMPACT
REHABILITATION
ROBOT CR2 PILOTS AT
NASAM PJ
At the handover of the CR2 series – (from left) Dr Yeong of UTM, guestof-honour Associate Professor Dr Arham Abdullah, Director of Industry
Relations Division, Ministry of Education, Chris Low, NASAM ViceChairman and Sylvia Chong, NASAM General Manager.
Since October 2014, selected members at NASAM PJ
have been training with a new rehabilitation device, the
CR2-Haptic and the CR2-Motion, designed to improve
muscle control.
The CR2-Haptic is used to improve wrist and forearm
movement, more importantly, the system is able to sense
and automatically provide assistance when needed or
resistance, when the user starts to improve. The CR2Motion is a rehabilitation system that is used to train arm
and trunk movement. Both systems keep members engaged
through fun and motivating virtual reality games.
Members Vivian Lee (above) and Tan Chin Huat
(below) exercising the fun way with the CR2-Haptic.
Both systems are on loan for one year following a
collaboration between NASAM and Universiti Teknologi
Malaysia (UTM). The Compact Rehabilitation Robot was
invented by a team of researchers led by Dr Yeong Che
Fai, a senior UTM lecturer. (To know more about the
technology visit cr2connect.com)
BE INSPIRED!
Kati van der Hoeven-Lepistö, a 20-year old supermodel
had her career cut short after a stroke in 1995. She
completely lost the power of movement and speech.
Today, Kati believes that with pure determination, faith
and perseverance anyone can make the best out of their
lives.
Read more at :
www.katilepisto.fi/en/2013/09/breaking-through/
7
Caregiving Insights
HOW TO PREVENT
SHOULDER PAIN
AFTER STROKE
A stroke survivor is often prone to shoulder pain because caregivers are unaware of proper
handling techniques. Here are some tips to prevent and manage shoulder pain:
WHAT TO DO
• Have a physiotherapist assess the
shoulder pain
• Follow all the recommendations
of the physiotherapist
• Report any changes in pain
• Handle the arm carefully when
walking, standing and sitting
• Learn to use slings correctly
WHAT NOT TO DO
• Don’t pull the affected arm when
walking or repositioning the
person in bed
• Don’t leave the sling on once the
person is settled into a chair
• Don’t use overhead pulleys
• Don’t perform exercises if you
have not received proper training
• When sitting, support the arm on
a pillow, table, lap tray or arm
trough. Ensure the surface is not
too high or too low
• Only perform exercises with the
stroke survivor after you have
received formal training from a
therapist
• When dressing, work with the
painful arm first and when undressing remove clothing from
this arm last
Note: It is understandable that family and
caregivers want the best to hasten the recovery
process and are willing to try different treatments
and exercises. However, it is advisable to consult
the physiotherapist looking after the stroke
survivor for further advice.
Managing shoulder pains with extra pillows.
8
Events
WALK FOR
HEALTH 2014
NASAM’s annual event was flagged off simultaneously in eight states
at 7.45am, on October 19, 2014.
In Kuala Lumpur, around 1,400 participants, including stroke survivors,
representatives from 21 corporate companies and well-wishers from
the public, took part in the event held at Taman Tasik Titiwangsa, and
jointly organised by NASAM PJ and Ampang Clubs. It was the largest
turnout since the launching of the event three years ago.
NASAM PJ and Ampang
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9
NASAM Penang
NASAM Perak
NASAM Malacca
NASAM Johor
NASAM Kuantan
NASAM Sabah
10
Health
TIPS TO STAY
HEALTHY IN 2015
FO
YOURR YOU &
FAM
ILY
After a spate of eating, or probably over-eating, during the Christmas and New Year celebrations, this month
is a good time to check our lifestyles and take steps to stay healthy. Here are some tips to maintain good
health:
Eat in moderation
Many of us eat too much. Eat
smaller portions, at a slower
pace. Don’t skip breakfast.
Balanced diet
Eat more fruits and vegetables.
Choose steamed or grilled foods
over fried dishes.
High-protein foods
Studies show that high-protein
foods tend to make you feel full
faster. Cut down on rice and
other carbs.
Drink water
Drink plenty of water for good
health and wellness. Stay away
from sweet, sugary beverages.
Exercise more
Get at least 20-30 minutes of
exercise daily. Try to exercise
outdoors with friends and family.
Avoid sitting for long periods.
Make changes
Stop smoking and reduce alcohol
consumption.
Rest and sleep
Get at least 7 to 8 hours of
undisturbed sleep.
Manage stress
Find ways to relax. Laughter,
music and dancing are great
stress busters. If you can, take
short travel breaks.
Health checks
Monitor your health at least once a
year.
Staying and eating healthy requires patience
and commitment. Get your family members to
participate and take small manageable steps in
staying healthy. As you keep at your regime you
will enjoy greater energy, look good and best
of all keep life-threatening diseases, including
stroke, at bay.
11
Spotlight - Other Events
Festivities at
NASAM PJ
The spirit of Christmas was shared by members,
caregivers and friends alike on December
16, 2014. Also joining the celebrations were
NASAM patron Toh Puan Dato’ Seri Hjh Dr
Aishah Ong and founder-chairman Janet Yeo.
The merry event included carols by Cyril and
Friends and enchanting music from the Erhu, a
Chinese traditional musical instrument, played by
volunteer Tony Lim.
About a month earlier, PJ hosted a Deepavali luncheon. For this occasion, NASAM therapists choreographed a
colourful fashion show and performed some upbeat group and solo dances. After the highly charged activities
a hearty lunch was served.
12
NASAM Kuantan in Penang ...
... Our friends from Kuantan joined their peers at NASAM Penang for an energetic Laughter Yoga session and
took in some sights.
NASAM Penang ...
... Interacted with the public at the Young At Heart exhibition on November 15, 2014 and the Straits Quay
Christmas Bazaar on November 22, 2014.
13
Spotlight - Regional Events
NASAM Johor ...
... Wowed special guests from Singapore with Hawaiian dance.
NASAM Perak ...
14
... At Qing Xin Ling Leisure & Cultural Village, Ipoh.
NASAM Needs Your Help
We are a non-profit organisation depending solely on public goodwill and generosity to give LIFE to stroke
survivors. Many of those who come to NASAM are not able to afford post-stroke rehabilitation which is
critical to every survivor’s recovery. Partner us and share a journey of a second chance.
By donating
(one-off or monthly contributions)
By sponsoring a therapist
or a stroke centre
By volunteering
✂
How You
Can Help
Donation Form
DONOR PARTICULARS (PLEASE USE CAPITAL LETTERS)
Name/Company :
I.C. No. :
Address :
City : State : HP : Office : Postcode :
Home : Fax :
Email :
ONLINE DONATIONS
You can also donate through our website at
www.nasam.org
OR
Donations can be made directly to our
account (Maybank 5122 3152 0534). Please
fax/scan your bank-in-slip to 03-7931 0087
or email to nasamdonations@gmail.com.
Please provide your name as per your MyKad
so that tax exempt receipts can be issued.
We warmly invite you to visit any of
our eight centres to understand the
determination and courage of stroke
survivors and the commitment of
caregivers, volunteers and staff.
Call our centres: 9am-5pm
Monday-Friday.
Closed Weekend/Public Holiday
National Stroke Association of Malaysia | No. 12, Jalan Bukit Menteri Selatan (7/2), 46050 Petaling Jaya.
Tel: +603 7956 1876 | Fax: +603 7931 0087 | Email: info@nasam.org | Website: www.nasam.org
15
NASAM Head Office
No. 12, Jalan Bukit Menteri Selatan (7/2), 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.
Tel: +603 7956 1876 | Fax: +603 7931 0087 | Email: info@nasam.org
www.nasam.org
NationalStrokeAssociationMalaysia
Our Branches
NASAM Petaling Jaya
No. 12, Jalan Bukit Menteri Selatan (7/2)
46050 Petaling Jaya
Selangor Darul Ehsan
Malaysia
Tel
: +603 7956 4840
Fax : +603 7931 0087
Email : nasampj@nasam.org
NASAM Ampang
No. 9, Lorong Awan 1
68000 Ampang
Selangor Darul Ehsan
Malaysia
Tel
: +603 4256 1234
Fax : +603 4251 5360
Email : nasamampang@nasam.org
NASAM Penang
No. 9-C, Lebuhraya Maktab
10250 Pulau Pinang
Malaysia
Tel
: +604 229 8050
Fax : +604 226 0563
Email : nasampenang@nasam.org
NASAM Perak
No. 9, Lorong Pinji
Off Jalan Pasir Puteh
31560 Ipoh
Perak Darul Ridzuan
Malaysia
Tel
: +605 321 1089
Fax : +605 322 4759
Email : nasamperak@nasam.org
NASAM Malacca
No. 5132-C, Jalan Datuk Palembang
Bukit Baru
75150 Melaka
Melaka Darul Azim
Malaysia
Tel/Fax: +606 231 0177
Email : nasammalacca@nasam.org
NASAM Johor
NASAM Kuantan
No. A2134, Lorong Kubang Buaya 2
25250 Kuantan
Pahang Darul Makmur
Malaysia
Tel/Fax: +609 566 8195
Email : nasamkuantan@nasam.org
NASAM Sabah
Kompleks Badan-Badan Sukarela
Wisma Pandu Puteri
KM4, Jalan Tuaran
88400 Kota Kinabalu
Sabah
Malaysia
Tel
: +6 088 261 568
Fax : +6 088 268 568
Email : nasamsabah@nasam.org
No. 59, Jalan Chendera
Serene Park
80300 Johor Bahru
Johor Darul Takzim
Malaysia
Tel
: +607 223 0075
Fax : +607 223 0076
Email : nasamjohor@nasam.org
Stroke rehabilitation is a crucial part of stroke
recovery. NASAM’s stroke rehabilitation
programme focuses on the physical, emotional
and social wellbeing of stroke survivors
and offers physiotherapy, speech therapy,
recreational activities, alternative therapy and
counselling services. Contact your nearest
NASAM Centre for more details.
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