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Tri-State Stroke Network reminds you that stroke is a medical emergency. Please call 9 1 1 if you or someone you know is exhibiting signs of stroke.

The 5 Warning Signs & Symptoms of Stroke Are: 1) Sudden numbness or weakness in the face or one side of the body; 2) Sudden confusion or difficulty speaking; 3) Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes; 4) Suden trouble walking, dizziness or loss of balance; 5) Sudden severe headache with no known cause
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Telephone: (919) 707-5360
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Email: Laurie.mettam@ncmail.net
Section Title: For Caregivers
Caregiver's Corner

"Stroke: A Caregiver's Perspective"
Not only has he been a tireless champion of the North Carolina Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Task Force efforts since its inception, but the past four years or more have made Dr. Donald Ensley even more passionate to get stroke on the radar screen of everyone that will listen. He is now a caregiver and champion for his wife, who suffered a massive stroke at age 47. The Ensleys also have a daughter who is a college freshman. Dr. Ensley, Chair of the Department of Community Health and Vice-Chancellor for Community Engagement at East Carolina University, serves as Vice-Chairman of the Task Force. He is a member of the American Heart Association Mid-Atlantic Affiliate Board, the NC Health and Wellness Trust Foundation, serves on the Executive Committee of the Stroke Belt Consortium and is an appointed member of the Tri-State Stroke Network.

With such a busy schedule, Dr. Ensley was constantly running 100 miles per hour in the forefront of bringing attention to heart disease and stroke. His wife's stroke has forced him to change his schedule but has not reduced his passion for this work. "Knowledge of the risk factors and knowing when to act are key in the fight against stroke. If I had not known the importance of getting my wife to the emergency room in a timely manner, the outcome might have been drastically different." The impact of a stroke on a loved one can be tremendous for the entire family. It has taken years of adjustments at home and at work and hard hours in rehabilitation. His wife still remains very limited in her speech and physical capabilities.

The hardships imposed by heart disease and stroke become very real when you find yourself in the role of a caregiver. Dr. Ensley is exemplary of someone who can indeed walk the walk and talk the talk about stroke and its impact.

(Portions of this article were contributed by Susan Askew Knowlton, of the Office of News and Information, ECU Health Sciences Division.) - from the Start With Your Heart Newsletter of the NC Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Task Force - Winter 2001/2002




Last Updated 08/30/05
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