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Heartline Magazine July - September 2007
Timely aid for Michael
 Young Michael Clarke is finding the going at
the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Barbados quite enjoyable and
rewarding. The plucky eleven-year-old recently suffered a stroke
that affected the use of his right hand and leg, and, as an act
of goodwill, the Foundation provided him with the services of
its Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and Rehabilitation (CDP&R)
programme (The Gym With A Difference) for a period of one year.
Kim Clarke-Grant, CDP&R Manager, said, “We
felt committed to coming to Michael's aid when we learned of the
circumstances, and we are making every effort to ensure that he
is well cared for and returned to his maximum level of fitness.
Michael is provided with therapy and exercise training, the pace
of which depends on his endurance level.” She said that a
programme has been specifically designed according to Michael's
tolerance, and taking into account the weakness on his right
side.
Now about two months into the programme,
Michael attends sessions on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and
has joined more than 90 clients who use and benefit from the
programme on a weekly basis. And, while the other clients are
mostly of a vastly different age bracket, Michael is able to fit
in well with them, while, on their part, every effort is made to
make him feel part of the family.
Mrs. Clarke-Grant added “We consult with the
physiotherapist at the QEH who worked with Michael, and at the
Foundation he has the services of a special therapist who is
used to working with children, who guides him through his
programme of exercise, counselling and therapy.”
She noted that the exercise programme
includes the use of the treadmill, exercise bike and weights,
which is meant to correct the weakness on his right side, and
the therapy helps him to re-learn basic activities such as
holding table and other implements, writing, and dressing.
A former pupil of Cuthbert Moore Primary
School, St. Helens, St.George, Michael recently passed the
Eleven Plus Exam and will be going to Grantley Adams Secondary
School from the coming term. He is happy to have his twin sister
Susan, join him during his exercise sessions at the Gym. This
helps him to feel more comfortable and relaxed. He is also
slated to take part in the one-day Heart Saver's course, where
he will learn basic first aid and emergency cardiac care.
Rose Clarke said that caring for the needs
of her son Michael was quite expensive, and thanked the Heart &
Stroke Foundation for its kind gesture in providing the welcome
and timely assistance. Help has also come from a number of other
sources, including a monetary donation from S. C Johnson and
Company, which contributed towards the funding for Michael's
training.
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