Dan Hardtke’s Post

3yrs ago today motor neurone disease, crashed into my life like a juggernaut. I was told there was no treatment & 50% of patients die in 3 years. Since then I’ve been zombified, empty, petrified, angry, anxious, sad, frustrated, and in a low pit. I’ve had friends with MND die, some of those diagnosed after me, but I am still here. Why? Nobody knows. That’s just the first question of many that we don’t know the answer to. The only certainty is that there is no cure. Seeing the speed that MND can wreak havoc on a persons body is heartbreaking. It often leaves me feeling a sense of guilt that I am functioning well compared to others with similar or shorter time frames. It took me a while to realise that MND may be in control of my body, but I am in control of my mind. So alongside the low emotions over the last 3yrs I’ve also felt grateful, fortunate, determined, happy, driven, and most of all loved. This photo is of me a few weeks ago shaking off a vulnerable spell after a couple of falls which I’d put down to poor balance & coordination. I was unsure how I’d cope with an active day but being mindful of my limits & with help when I was overly tired I smashed it. Since then my consultant has explained that these issues making me fall are the beginning of MND affecting my legs. Not what I wanted to hear, but I am progressing slowly so there’s plenty of go left in the old pins, I’m just a bit unsteady and slower - I’ll take that thank you! Today is a celebration that I’ve passed that 3yr marker in relatively good shape. I’m making the most of everything I can do and not dwelling on what I can’t. At the forefront of my mind are those that MND has taken & those it is ravaging. Also their family & friends watching this disease take their loved ones bit by bit. My mantra for the time being is I’ve got MND but MND hasn’t got me yet! I’m sticking my middle finger up as you read this. More needs to be done. We can’t spend the next 28yrs relying on 1 prescription drug with little to no effect. We need awareness, it’s not a rare disease really. 1 in 300 - In a cinema screening there will be at least 1 person who will face this journey. Add on family & friends who don’t escape untouched & suddenly the odds of it crashing into your life unexpectedly are significantly lowered. Please share this post, MND needs talking about.

🩺 World Stroke Day 2024: Every Minute Matters 🩺 Today on World Stroke Day, we at ATG HealthCare Foundation join the global community to raise awareness about strokes—an urgent, life-threatening condition impacting millions annually. The World Stroke Organization highlights that "every minute counts," and our goal is to educate communities on preventing, recognizing, and responding to strokes. 💡 What is a Stroke? A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, either due to a blockage (ischemic stroke) or a burst blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke). This deprives the brain of oxygen, causing cells to die within minutes, leading to long-term brain damage, disability, or even death. 🔄 Can Strokes Be Prevented? Yes! Here are key prevention strategies: Maintain a Healthy Diet: Avoid high-sodium and high-fat foods; choose a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Exercise Regularly: Engaging in physical activity for at least 30 minutes a day can reduce risk factors. Control Blood Pressure & Diabetes: Both are major stroke risks—ensure regular screenings and follow medical advice. Avoid Smoking & Limit Alcohol: These habits drastically increase stroke likelihood. 🚑 Immediate Action & Treatment Recognizing the signs early can save lives. Remember F.A.S.T.: Face drooping Arm weakness Speech difficulty Time to call emergency services Quick action within the “Golden Hour” can allow for treatments like clot-busting drugs to reduce damage. Long-term treatments may include rehabilitation and lifestyle changes. 📚 How ATG HealthCare Foundation is Contributing At ATG HealthCare Foundation, we’re committed to empowering individuals with stroke knowledge and resources: Conducting awareness workshops in schools, colleges, and rural communities Offering free screenings for high blood pressure and other risk factors Providing educational resources on lifestyle changes for prevention On this World Stroke Day, let's work together to spread the knowledge and make a difference in reducing stroke risks. 👩⚕️ Join us in raising awareness. Share this message, educate your loved ones, and be part of a healthier tomorrow! #WorldStrokeDay #ATGHealthCareFoundation #StrokePrevention #FIGHTAgainstStroke

WORLD STROKE DAY: ACT NOW, PROTECT YOUR FUTURE World Stroke Day, observed every October 29, shines a light on the urgency of stroke prevention and early treatment. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), strokes are among the leading causes of disability and death worldwide, affecting 1 in 4 adults over their lifetime. In fact, WHO reports that around 15 million people suffer from a stroke each year, with nearly 5 million unable to fully recover. Stroke symptoms, such as; Sudden numbness, Confusion, Trouble speaking, Difficulty seeing, require immediate action to reduce risks of permanent damage or fatality. Why Early Intervention Matters The faster a stroke is identified and treated, the greater the chances of recovery. Simple actions; Monitoring blood pressure, Managing diabetes, Maintaining a healthy lifestyle significantly lower stroke risk. Quick access to quality medical care makes all the difference, as treatments within the first few hours can drastically improve outcomes. Take Control of Your Health Today! Book a preventive health check or seek treatment for any concerns. Call us: 08091650888 / 09039495598 Visit us at: 14C, Kayode Abraham Street, off Ligali Ayorinde, Victoria Island, Lagos Website: www.unitedheartltd.com Your health is our priority. Don’t wait—take proactive steps to protect your future!

Back in 1998 I was diagnosed with an illness I had never heard of before. Having been backwards and forwards to my doctor and been told I 'just' had piles, I persevered (and to be honest, the amount of blood I was producing in my poo was terrifying me). A more sympathetic doctor popped a short telescope called a Sigmoidoscope up my bum and, shortly after that I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. Ulcerative colitis and Crohns disease are lifelong, and incurable conditions. They are jointly known as 'Inflammatory Bowel Disease'. There are quite a lot of myths around them, mainly that changing ones diet will help. It won't. Another very common misunderstanding is that IBD and IBS are the same. They aren't. The major sign of ulcerative colitis or Crohns are that you have ulcers inside your intestines, which bleed. Mine are inside my colon, which is why it is called colitis, people with Crohns have them throughout their digestive tract. My symptoms, which are minor these days but have been severe enough to see me admitted to hospital in the past include: Bleeding when I poo. Blokes aren't used to blood as a rule and when I first looked into the toilet and saw it filled with blood I presumed I was dying. Having had years of discomfort in my tummy which I just thought was normal, this was the symptom which prompted me to call a doctor. Exhaustion. This is a really common symptom of both Crohns and Colitis and one I've just gotten used to over the years. It's constant, it's annoying as hell there seems very little I can do about it, so am just used to it. Aching joints and painful eyes. I understand a lot of people with UC or CD get this as an exciting addition to the other stuff. And, the least fun symptom is going to the toilet up to fifty times a day when my disease is active, and around 5/7 times a day when I'm in remission as I am now. I know where all the 'good' toilets are in towns and motorway services, it's a valuable skill. The year my speaking career took off was the same year my disease was most active. Being on stage for 45 minutes took a lot of planning! This post isn't asking for sympathy. A lot of people, including some I'm close to, deal with loads more than I do and smile through it. This post is intended to raise awareness, with May 19th being World IBD Day. Around 200,000 people in the UK alone are diagnosed with crohns or colitis. We don't like being blamed for an illness we didn't ask for, we don't like being questioned when we have to use accessible toilets (if you ask me, I'll tell you, loudly, why I need that toilet, you'll be more embarrassed than me I promise), and a lot of us do want more people to understand. If you have any symptoms relating to your poo that you haven't talked to a doctor about, please do. My weapon against this disease has always been educating myself about it, so the diagnosis and subsequent help from medics has been invaluable over the years. Thanks for reading :-) Crohn's & Colitis UK

February is American Heart Month, a time when all people are encouraged to focus on their cardiovascular health — especially women. One of the main causes of heart attacks is heart disease, which is a leading cause of death for women each year. The high mortality rate of heart disease can be attributed to a few things, but one of the most surprising is that women are more likely than men to be misdiagnosed and mistreated for a heart attack. Why? Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/gJGGhfFT. #HeartMonth #WomensHealth #StLouisAttorneys

Talking to your physician about post-polio syndrome is a crucial step in developing a plan to manage your symptoms, but many doctors don’t thoroughly understand the condition. The more you know about this syndrome, the better able you will be to advocate for yourself. If you’re struggling with muscle weakness, breathing difficulties, or fatigue, you may be feeling the late effects of polio. Symptoms can include: • Muscle and joint weakness • Fatigue • Muscle loss • Breathing or swallowing difficulties • Sleep-related disorders • Difficulty tolerating cold temperatures Please make sure your physician is aware that you are a polio survivor. You can give them the link to the “Information for Health Care Providers & Caregivers” section of our website (under the heading Post-Polio Syndrome). This will give them access to information from many sources. Post-polio syndrome is always a diagnosis of exclusion. They will want to rule out other causes first.

World Stroke Day - Raising Awareness to Save Lives Every year, October 29 marks World Stroke Day, a global campaign to raise awareness about stroke prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation. Stroke is one of the leading causes of disability and death worldwide, yet many people are unaware of its warning signs and risk factors. A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, depriving brain cells of oxygen, which can lead to severe consequences if not treated promptly. This year’s theme, “Together, Let’s Take a Stand Against Stroke”, calls for everyone to unite in understanding the symptoms of stroke and the importance of timely medical intervention. Recognizing the symptoms is critical: remember the acronym FAST – Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, and Time to call emergency services. These symptoms, when spotted early, can lead to life-saving treatment and reduce the risk of long-term disability. World Stroke Day is a reminder that a few small steps can make a big difference. Managing blood pressure, quitting smoking, staying active, and maintaining a healthy diet can significantly lower the risk of stroke. Let’s spread the word and empower our communities to take charge of their health, making early detection and prevention a priority Message: Today is World Stroke Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about stroke and the importance of prevention, early detection, and timely intervention. Remember, stroke symptoms can be recognized with FAST: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, and Time to call for help. Recognizing these signs early can save lives. Let’s take a stand against stroke by encouraging healthy habits and spreading awareness within our communities. Together, we can make a difference. #strokeday #Awarnessonstroke #Mental Health #WellBieng #SocialResponsibilities #Healthcare #Pharmaceuticals #Healthcare #linkedinn #TogetherLet’sTakeaStandAgainstStroke

For many years now, we’ve known that heart disease is the No. 1 killer of both men and women. Yet research shows women are more likely than men to skip regular heart-health screenings, as well as dismiss the warning signs of a heart attack. Despite decades of awareness campaigns aimed at helping women assess their risk of heart disease and recognize the unique signs of heart attack (which are often different and more subtle than men’s symptoms), too many women still aren’t getting the message. The cardiologists we spoke to are on a mission to change that! Head to the link below to learn more about what you can do for your heart. ♥️  https://lnkd.in/gkN-GNb2

Did You Know that May is EDS Awareness Month? Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a disease that weakens the connective tissues of your body. These are things like tendons and ligaments that hold parts of your body together. EDS can make your joints loose and your skin thin and easily bruised. It also can weaken blood vessels and organs. There are several types of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, but all make your joints loose and weak and your skin unusually stretchy. (Source: WebMD) Many people with EDS find that mobility aids, including crutches, are helpful in getting around more easily. We have had many customers with EDS tell us that the smartCRUTCH design is much more comfortable than underarm crutches and other forearm crutches that do not have the flexibility of smartCRUTCH. Its unique design relieves stress on the body and can help significantly reduce fatigue. The forearm can be adjusted from 15-90 degrees giving the user a range of choices depending upon the day. Unfortunately, there is no cure for EDS, but we are pleased to offer a product that helps those living with the disease. So, in recognition of EDS Awareness Month we would like to acknowledge our customers living with EDS and congratulate them on their perseverance.

🚨 Know the Signs of a Stroke: Act FAST 🚨 According to the Stroke Association, stroke strikes someone every 5 minutes in the UK, with 100k people experiencing strokes each year and 1.3 million survivors. Recognising the symptoms quickly can save lives. Remember the FAST acronym: ⚡𝗙ace: Can the person smile? Is one side of the face drooping? ⚡𝗔rms: Can they raise both arms? Is one arm weak? ⚡𝗦peech: Is their speech slurred or strange? ⚡𝗧ime: If you see any of these FAST symptoms, seek emergency medical help immediately. Do not attempt to drive yourself to the hospital. Call 999 for an ambulance. Did you know strokes aren’t just for the elderly? They can affect the young. 1-in-4 strokes in the UK affect people of working age. Risk factors: ❌High blood pressure ❌Smoking ❌Diabetes ❌High cholesterol ❌Obesity ❌Family history of stroke CAS Medical offers comprehensive screening options to help identify your risk factors early and take proactive steps towards prevention. Regular check-ups can be crucial in maintaining your health and well-being. Haemorrhagic strokes, caused by bleeding in the brain, are less common but just as serious. The Natalie Kate Moss Trust, a charity dedicated to raising awareness about haemorrhagic strokes, covers this topic extensively. Take control of your health today. Contact us to learn more about our screening options. 🌐 https://lnkd.in/eiNawa6A 📞 0141 280 6956 #StrokeAwareness #FAST #HaemorrhagicStroke #TakeAction #CASMedical