Rose of Sharon Jewelry

I returned to Weight Watchers after many years and pounds and am glad to report the new Points Plus system works! I’ve lost over 22 lbs in the past 8 weeks!

Mom joined me 2 weeks ago and lost 1.8 lbs the first week. We eat 3 meals a day and 3 snacks – including dessert every night. The program is easy to follow and I’m loving the iPhone app along with the online tracking system.  It makes it so easy to keep track of whatever I want to eat even when we dine out!

I’ll be checking in regularly to share the power of changing to a healthy and satisfying diet!

To learn more, visit the Weight Watchers site today! You don’t need to be a member to find great, healthy recipes and learn how to improve your diet.

The main Rose of Sharon Jewelry store is having an Easter Special. Thru 12 PM, Sun, Apr, 24 – save 15% on any design over $100.00. Great gift ideas for that special gal in your life and Mother’s Day!

 

 

Abiding Faith, a gold cross necklace set featuring the brilliance of emerald green. Free coordinating earrings were created by Betty just for you.

Today is the first post in a series devoting to educating women (and men, too) on strokes. What you don’t know (or ignore) can kill you!

As readers know, my Mom (Betty of Rose of Sharon Jewelry) suffered a stroke in the wee hours of January 3rd. Thankfully she was aware enough to call a neighbor for help or this story might have a much different ending. As of today, she is getting CAT scans and a neurological check-up in preparation to be released from a care facility. She’ll be able to return home with the assistance of my brothers, niece, church members and her beloved “second family" – Bret and Theresa Anderson and their extended family.

Overall her health has returned to about 90% (happy dance here) but she has lasting conditions which require extended recovery and continued medical supervision. Her blood sugar has been erratic during this stressful event and she has memory and mental agility issues.

The plan is for her to come to our Sparks, NV home to recuperate! We are excited and think that the stimulus of working on Rose of Sharon Jewelry, exercising with me and keeping up with her great grandsons will be really good for her.

What is a stroke?

A simple explanation is that a block clot blocks an artery or a blood vessel breaks within your brain. It is a kind of “brain attack” that cuts off blood flow to a portion of your brain.

This disruption in blood flow causes the brain to swell and cells to die.

Depending upon which part of your brain is damaged, the results can affect speech, movement, memory or even death.

Here are a 10 facts to get your attention and keep reading this series.

Stroke Facts

1. Stroke is the 3rd leading cause of death in the U.S.
2. Strokes are the #1 cause of long-term disability.
3. Every 40 seconds someone suffers a stroke.
4. High blood pressure is the most important (but not the only) risk factor for strokes.
5. Strokes can strike at any age. One fourth of all strokes strike people under 65!
6. Stroke symptoms are different for women than men.
7. More women (about 55,000 per year) have strokes than men.
8. African Americans are almost twice as likely to have a stroke.
9. Strokes cost (directly and indirectly) over $73.7 billion annually.
10. Acting fast can make all the difference in recovery and long-term prognosis.

 

• Monday’s post will cover the different types of strokes.

 

Want to learn more now? Check out the American Stroke Association.

16 days ago Mom had a stroke and this Sat. she will be released from the care home almost back to normal. When the stroke hit, her world was spinning violently but she was able to call a neighbor who summoned the ambulance.

The next day we thought she was going to be released with no significant physical or mental change. Then the swelling started and the only response was surgery to relieve the pressure and remove dead brain tissue from the base of her skull. All life-changing procedures for sure.

Days in ICU with a tube in her throat then 4 days in the Stroke Unit and now a few days in a care home and she is almost 100%. When she was released from the hospital, she still had double vision but was able to walk with a walker, handle hygiene and feed herself.

This week her strength and vision started to return to normal. The official word is she will be released from the care facility on Saturday.

As with any sudden illness and major surgery, she has an extended road to full recovery of strength, memory and stamina but your well wishes and prayers were successful. That’s why I call it the “Miracle in Oregon.”

Starting next week, I will begin a series on women and strokes this is a must read series so please be certain to subscribe by email, RSS Feed or read via the Rose of Sharon Jewelry Facebook Fan Page .

 

What I learned this crisis filled January could save your life!

Betty of Rose of Sharon Jewelry suffered an acute stroke 10 days ago and I've been in Oregon helping with her recovery. Mom settled into her care home for rehab from stroke/brain surgery. Prognosis is very good but only time will tell. She still has double vision so we joke that she could easily string double strand necklaces. LOL! Our sense of humor hasn't diminished. Life will be different now that's for sure; but we are strong, gutsy women so we can do it together. I'm scheduled to return home on Sunday. Monday will be catching up with everything piled on my desk and starting in figuring out her recovery plan. Wish us well, please and say a little prayer.

Mom’s stroke conditions worsened so she had pressure-relieving surgery. I’m in Portland until ?. She’s in ICU and I have a cold so contact is limited but we got good news that the swelling is subsiding.

The blog will probably be quite lonely for a while. Thanks for understanding.

While I love blogging, it’s been a great rest over the holidays. Spent time with family, caught up on some movies and am now recovering from a terrible cold.

I’ll be blogging daily again starting this week. I’d love to hear comments on your favorite topics from 2010 as I’m setting up a fresh new editorial schedule.

My first topic will be women and strokes. My Mom (Betty of Rose of Sharon Jewelry) suffered a stroke yesterday. Luckily, with the help of Teresa her devoted friend/neighbor, she got to the hospital quickly. We don’t know much at this point but a neurologist will see her today. They are calling it an “acute” stroke which translates into a minor stroke. She speaks clearly and has good movement plus a HUGE headache.

Off to down some more cough syrup and take more aspirin. Will be back later today hopefully.

Sharing some Fullen family pictures of Christmas past in today’s Silent Sunday blog post.