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ON THE GO WITH LITTLE TIME TO SPARE? TAKE FIVE MINUTES TO ABSORB THESE FIVE DIGEST VERSIONS OF th r ive's FEATURED ARTICLES FROM THIS ISSUE. PTSD AFTER STROKE People who experience a stroke are at risk of developing post- traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Each year, almost 800,000 Americans have a stroke, and about one in four survivors experience PTSD symptoms within the first year after the stroke. PTSD signs are not always easy to recognize, but they include insomnia and depression, as well as anxiety about having an additional stroke. One of the best ways to curb anxiety and depression due to PTSD is to identify the cause of the stroke and take measures to prevent a recurrence. Some post- stroke PTSD patients benefit from treatments that may include lifestyle changes, taking medication or participating in support groups. Learn more about post- stroke PTSD symptoms and treatments on page 8. UNCOMFORTABLE PREGNANCY SYMPTOMS Most women are familiar with common pregnancy symptoms like morning sickness, and fatigue. But there are other common pregnancy symptoms that aren't as typically discussed. These can include indigestion, skin changes, varicose veins, nasal congestion, bleeding gums, nosebleed, snoring, shortness of breath, sweating and vaginal discharge. Many symptoms result from hormonal changes and increased blood volume that occur during pregnancy. Women should discuss even seemingly trivial symptoms with their doctors. Many pregnancy symptoms can be treated easily. Get the inside scoop about these and other pregnancy symptoms on page 10. TOY SAFETY 101 The toy safety scene has changed a lot in the last two decades. In 1995, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) implemented stricter toy safety regulations, requiring that all toys made in or imported into the U.S. after that year meet certain CPSC standards. Even with these requirements in place, some toys still pose a risk to children's safety. When buying toys for children, read package labels to check that safety guidelines have been met, choose age-appropriate toys, include safety equipment like helmets and knee and elbow pads with ride-on toys, and check in on your children often during playtime to ensure they are playing with toys in a safe manner. Find more details and safe toy tips on page 16. BLOOD CANCER The exact causes of most types of blood cancers, including leukemias, myelomas, and lymphomas remain a mystery. However, modern medical advances over the past few decades have provided more effective treatment options that have changed the way doctors approach and treat blood cancer, helping patients to manage and survive at higher rates than ever before. Treatment options include targeted drug therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, stem cell transplants and, in some cases, close monitoring without immediate treatment. New therapies are currently being developed to even further improve outcomes for blood cancer patients. Discover more about blood cancers on page 18. AT-HOME RECOVERY Preparation is key to making an at-home recovery after a hospital procedure as easy and uneventful as possible. Steps to a smooth recovery process begin before your procedure with establishing healthy habits to boost your immune system and support healing. It is also important to remove trip hazards (like rugs) in advance of your procedure and make your living space as accessible as possible for recuperation. Equally essential is identifying someone who will see that you get settled at home after the procedure and who will help with everyday activities, such as grocery shopping, if you should need it for a time following your hospital stay. These steps, plus a clear understanding of post care doctor's orders, will give you a good foundation for at-home recovery. Turn to page 24 to read more on recuperating at home. WIN T ER 2 017/ / W W W.N Y M.O RG 30 T A K E F I V E / YO U R H E A LT H C H E AT S H E E T