Stephanie Trelogan

Caring.com senior editor

About

Stephanie Trelogan is Senior Editor of the Heart, Stroke, and Depression channels. Older people in Stephanie's family have coped with a variety of stroke- and heart-related conditions, and several family membersincluding Stephaniehave struggled with depression.

Recently Published on Caring.com

  1. Friday October 02, 2009

    1. 8 Ways You Can Help Your Parent Manage an Arrhythmia

      Article - Whether your parent has tachycardia (rapid heartbeat), bradycardia (slow heartbeat), or fibrillation (chaotic, very rapid heartbeat), managing his arrhythmia will help him live a longer, more active life. Here are some practical ways you can help

    2. 10 Vital Things to Look for in a Stroke Center

      Article - Learn the 10 most important things you should know when choosing a stroke center.

  2. Thursday September 10, 2009

    1. 11 Warning Signs of Depression

      Article - Is it depression or just the blues? Read about the warning signs of depression and when to seek help.

  3. Friday September 04, 2009

    1. 10 Ways You Can Help Your Parents Prevent a Heart Attack

      Article - Heart disease is the number one killer in the United States. Prevent heart attack by following these 10 ways to reduce heart attack risk.

    2. 10 Questions to Ask After a Stroke

      Article - 10 questions to ask after a stroke. Is there is a recovery timeline after stroke? What is the prognosis after stroke? Get answers to aide in stroke recovery.

  4. Tuesday September 01, 2009

    1. Risk Factors for Heart Attack

      Article - Some heart attack risk factors can be controlled. Knowing the heart attack risk factors is the first step toward reducing the risk of heart attack. 1 Comment

  5. Monday August 24, 2009

    1. Perception Problems After a Stroke

      Article - Perception problems after a stroke are common. When someone has perception problems after a stroke, they have trouble with part of their visual field.

  6. Friday August 21, 2009

    1. Ongoing Treatment After a Heart Attack

      Article - Long-term treatment after a heart attack is geared toward preventing future heart attacks and improving life. Here's how you can help.

  7. Tuesday August 18, 2009

    1. Memory Problems After a Stroke

      Article - After a stroke, a stroke patient usually has memory loss. Know what to expect after a stroke, and learn ways to deal with memory loss.

    2. Muscle Spasticity After a Stroke

      Article - Muscle spasticity affects many people after a stroke. What muscle spasticity means is that muscles contract painfully, interfering with routine tasks.

  8. Monday August 17, 2009

    1. How a Stroke Is Diagnosed

      Article - To diagnose a stroke, a variety of tests may be needed. Here are some of the commonly used methods for stroke diagnosis.

  9. Wednesday August 12, 2009

    1. Coronary Bypass Recovery: What to Expect

      Article - What to Expect after Coronary Bypass Surgery. Recovery issues may include loss of appetite, leg swelling, shortness of breath, and trouble sleeping. 3 Comments

    2. How to Help Someone With Depression

      Article - When someone is struggling with depression, here's what you can -- and can't -- do to help. 1 Comment

  10. Friday August 07, 2009

    1. What Is a Heart Attack?

      Article - What is a heart attack? A heart attack, also know as a myocardial infarction, is often the result of coronary artery disease, or atherosclerosis from plaque. 1 Comment

    2. What Is a Stroke?

      Article - What is a stroke? A stroke can be ischemic or hemorrhagic -- ischemic stroke is from a blood clot, and hemorrhagic is from a ruptured blood vessel.

    3. Swallowing Difficulties After a Stroke

      Article - Swallowing difficulties are common after a stroke. Here’s how to address swallowing difficulties for stroke victims. 1 Comment

    4. Language Problems After a Stroke

      Article - People who've had a stroke often have trouble with language. Language trouble may improve in a stroke victim with help from you and a therapist.

    5. Difficult Behaviors After a Stroke

      Article - After a stroke, a stroke patient may exhibit changes in behavior. Know what to expect after a stroke, and learn how to deal with unexpected behavior.

  11. Friday July 24, 2009

    1. What Causes a Heart Attack?

      Article - Coronary artery disease is the most common underlying cause of heart attack, but there can also be other causes of heart attack. 1 Comment

  12. Monday July 20, 2009

    1. What to Expect After a Heart Attack

      Article - What to expect after a heart attack. A caregiver's guide to common physical and emotional concerns. Find out what to expect and how you can help. 1 Comment

  13. Thursday July 16, 2009

    1. How to Tell if Someone Is Having a Stroke

      Article - How to tell if someone is having a stroke. 5 stroke symptoms to watch for and what to do if someone shows symptoms of a stroke. 1 Comment

  14. Friday June 19, 2009

    1. 5 Ways to Connect With Other Stroke Caregivers

      Article - 5 ways to get practical and emotional support after someone has a stroke -- and help the patient get extra support, too.

    2. 5 Ways to Connect With Other Heart Disease Caregivers

      Article - 5 ways to get practical advice and emotional support when an older adult has heart disease -- and how to get support for the patient, too.

    3. Making a Bedroom Safer for a Stroke Survivor

      Article - How to make someone's bedroom safe and comfortable after a stroke. Plus, how to help him keep as much privacy and autonomy as possible.

    4. Making Stairways Safer After a Patient Suffers a Stroke

      Article - When an older adult has had a stroke, here's how to make the stairs -- both inside and out -- as safe as possible.

  15. Friday June 05, 2009

    1. Managing Congestive Heart Failure

      Article - The term "heart failure" is something of a misnomer. It makes it sound like the heart has stopped working, but that isn't really the case. What congestive heart failure means is that the heart isn't pumping efficiently enough to keep up with the body's needs. "Heart inefficiency" might be a better term... 2 Comments

    2. 10 Vital Things to Look for in a Stroke Center

      Checklist - Learn the 10 most important things you should know when choosing a stroke center.

  16. Thursday June 04, 2009

    1. What to Expect When Someone With Heart Disease Has Coronary Angioplasty and Stenting

      Article - Maximize the benefits of an angioplasty. From what to do when the patient first gets home to how much activity he or she can handle. 1 Comment

  17. Tuesday May 12, 2009

    1. Stroke Prognosis: What You Should Know

      Article - Stroke prognosis depends on stroke type and location and the extent of brain damage. But there's no magic formula or timeline for recovery.

  18. Monday May 11, 2009

    1. Stroke Recovery: Outpatient Rehabilitation

      Article - Stroke recovery is a long-term process. What to expect from a stroke survivor, physically and emotionally, and ways you can help him make the most of life.

    2. Preparing for a Stroke Emergency: What You Should Know If Someone Is At Risk

      Article - Is someone close to you at risk for a stroke? This practical guide will help you prepare for a stroke emergency.

  19. Wednesday May 06, 2009

    1. After Stroke Care: How to Know What's Needed

      Article - How to assess how much care and help a patient will need after a stroke. 1 Comment

    2. What to Do When Someone Experiences Depression After a Stroke

      Article - Understanding the emotional aftermath of a stroke, including the warning signs of depression and what you can do to help. 1 Comment

    3. How to Deal With Post Heart Attack Depression

      Article - Understanding the emotional aftermath of a heart attack, including the warning signs of depression and what you can do to help. 1 Comment

    4. TIA: How to Know if Someone Is at Risk for a Stroke

      Article - Understanding someone's risk of a transient ischemic attack (TIA), or ministroke, including the symptoms of a TIA and what you should do if someone has a stroke or a ministroke.

    5. How to Help Someone Live With Angina

      Article - A basic guide to keeping someone healthy, comfortable, and safe while living with angina.

    6. What Atrial Fibrillation Means for Older Adults

      Article - What atrial fibrillation means for older adults: how it's treated, how to prevent stroke, and what warning signs you should watch out for.

    7. 7 Tips for Improving Mealtimes After a Stroke

      Article - 7 practical tips to make eating safer and less stressful after a stroke -- and help a stroke survivor get the nutrition he needs.

    8. Making Someone's Home Safer After a Stroke

      Article - Tips and resources for making someone's home safe after a stroke, whether he's partially paralyzed, in a wheelchair, or uses a walker.

    9. Making Someone's Kitchen Safer After a Stroke

      Article - Practical tips and resources to make someone's kitchen safe after a stroke. Plus, how to modify the kitchen for someone in a wheelchair.

  20. Tuesday May 05, 2009

    1. How to Tell if Someone Is Having a Heart Attack

      Article - Learn how to recognize early heart attack symptoms and common heart attack signs to avoid heart attack risks at Caring.com. 1 Comment

    2. 10 Questions to Ask After a Heart Attack

      Checklist - 10 questions to ask after heart attack. Find out and set a realistic timetable for recovery after heart attack.

  21. Thursday April 30, 2009

    1. 10 Ways You Can Help Your Parents Prevent a Stroke

      Checklist - 10 ways you can help with stroke prevention. These stroke prevention strategies will help your parents reduce their risk of a stroke. 1 Comment

    2. 10 Questions to Ask After a Stroke

      Checklist - 10 questions to ask after a stroke. Is there is a recovery timeline after stroke? What is the prognosis after stroke? Get answers to aide in stroke recovery. 2 Comments

    3. Making a Bathroom Safer for a Stroke Survivor

      Article - A bathroom can be dangerous for someone who's had a stroke. Here's how to help a stroke survivor bathe, groom, and use the toilet safely.

  22. Wednesday April 29, 2009

    1. After a Stroke: The First 24 Hours

      Article - The first stop after a stroke is the emergency room. This guide explains what to expect and offers ways to help with stroke recovery. 1 Comment

  23. Monday April 06, 2009

    1. Making the Most of the Stroke Rehabilitation Team

      Article - When someone has a stroke, you can aid in his recovery not just by supporting him emotionally and physically but by helping to choose and coordinate the stroke rehabilitation team. Here are six ways to do it.

  24. Monday March 09, 2009

    1. After a Stroke: The First Days to Weeks

      Article - Most spontaneous stroke recovery occurs during the first days to weeks. Here's what medical treatment to expect in the hospital, and how you can help.

  25. Tuesday November 18, 2008

    1. How can I get my father to eat healthier?

      Answer - The best way to help someone eat healthier is to eat a healthy diet yourself and provide support and encouragement.

  26. Thursday September 18, 2008

    1. Is there treatment for elderly depression?

      Answer - Some ways to help someone struggling with depression -- while still taking care of yourself.

  27. Monday August 18, 2008

    1. High Blood Pressure? Put Down the Salt Shaker

      Blog Post - A new study shows that too much salt can boost blood pressure. These resources can help you reduce salt intake at home and when dining out.

  28. Monday August 11, 2008

    1. Suspect a Stroke? Call 911

      Blog Post - At the first sign of stroke, it's important to call 911, as a new study shows most victims don't get help quickly enough. 1 Comment

  29. Monday August 04, 2008

    1. Depression Increases Risk of Stroke in Elderly

      Blog Post - Depression and first stroke may be linked in the elderly. Learn more about the warning signs of depression. 2 Comments

  30. Monday July 28, 2008

    1. Sleep Apnea May Trigger Nighttime Heart Attacks

      Blog Post - Sleep apnea and nighttime heart attacks may be linked, according to new research. Know the signs and symptoms of sleep apnea.

    2. What is the life expectancy for someone with advanced congestive heart failure?

      Answer - A person with advanced congestive heart failure may have weeks, months, or years left. No one can say for sure.

  31. Monday July 21, 2008

    1. Giving up Moderate Drinking Could Cause Depression

      Blog Post - Stopping moderate drinking may lead to depression. If you or your parent has to stop drinking, look out for signs of depression.

  32. Monday July 14, 2008

    1. Sudden Hearing Loss Could Signal Future Stroke

      Blog Post - Sudden hearing loss may be a sign of stroke, up to two years in the future. Here's what to do in the event of sudden hearing loss.

    2. Is it bad for my 92 year old father to eat McDonald's every morning?

      Answer - Dale, it sounds like your father is doing great. While I'm sure no medical expert would recommend eating breakfast at McDonald's that frequently, your father is 92 and active, with a busy social life. What more can one hope for?

    3. What can I do to improve confidence and blood pressure management?

      Answer - Andy, your doctor is the best person to consult about managing your blood pressure. But as for improving your confidence, I'd recommend starting a regular exercise program. Is there any type of physical activity you enjoy? If so, that might be a good place to start. Otherwise, you could begin by walking...

  33. Monday July 07, 2008

    1. Silent Stroke: Another Reason to Get Serious About Heart Health

      Blog Post - A new study showed nearly 11 percent of middle-aged participants had silent strokes. Addressing cardiovascular risk factors can decrease stroke risk. 2 Comments

  34. Monday June 30, 2008

    1. Vascular Dementia Resources for Caregivers

      Blog Post - Vascular dementia is the second leading cause of dementia in the US. Here's a list of blogs and resources for vascular dementia caregivers.

  35. Monday June 23, 2008

    1. Elder Suicide: Know the Warning Signs

      Blog Post - Seniors have the highest rates of suicide of any age group. Know the suicide warning signs if someone you love is depressed or at risk.

  36. Monday June 16, 2008

    1. Heartburn or Heart Attack? Women May Miss the Signs

      Blog Post - Women often attribute heart attack symptoms to indigestion, stress, and fatigue. Here's a list of the less typical signs of heart attack.

  37. Monday June 09, 2008

    1. Heart Attack! Do You Know the Warning Signs?

      Blog Post - Nearly half of patients with heart disease don't know the signs of heart attack. Here's a list of symptoms and what to do if heart attack strikes. 4 Comments

  38. Monday June 02, 2008

    1. Should All Stroke Patients Take Antidepressants?

      Blog Post - Should all stroke patients take antidepressants? New research shows antidepressants may prevent depression after a stroke.

  39. Monday May 26, 2008

    1. How to Keep Stroke Patients From Taking a Tumble

      Blog Post - New research shows that stroke patients fall almost twice as often as those who haven't had a stroke.

  40. Friday May 23, 2008

    1. Memory Problems? Don't Blame Bypass Surgery

      Blog Post - New research suggests that coronary artery disease, not bypass surgery, may be to blame for heart patients' cognitive decline.

  41. Monday May 19, 2008

    1. Will You Act F.A.S.T. or Give Me 5 For Stroke?

      Blog Post - Controversy about which campaign for remembering stroke symptoms is better, Act F.A.S.T. or Give Me 5 for Stroke.

  42. Monday May 12, 2008

    1. Stroke Awareness Month: Stroke Heroes and Their Stories

      Blog Post - A roundup of personal blogs about stroke. 2 Comments

  43. Monday May 05, 2008

    1. A Drug for the Bones Causes Risk to the Heart

      Blog Post - New research shows that the osteoporosis drug Fosamax nearly doubles the risk of atrial fibrillation.

  44. Monday April 28, 2008

    1. In Case of Stroke, Better Call a Neurologist

      Blog Post - New research suggests that stroke patients treated by neurologists have better outcomes.

    2. Do you have any healthy recipe suggestions for a stroke patient?

      Answer - Where to find great heart-healthy recipes now.

  45. Monday April 21, 2008

    1. After a Stroke: When Words Fail Us

      Blog Post - Creative ways to communicate with someone who has trouble speaking or understanding language. 1 Comment

  46. Monday April 14, 2008

    1. Music Hits the Right Note for Stroke Patients

      Blog Post - New research shows that listening to music for a couple of hours a day can help patients recover from stroke. 3 Comments

  47. Monday April 07, 2008

    1. Depressed? Try Sleeping It Off

      Blog Post - Research shows insomnia prolongs depression in some elderly people. Tips to help your parent sleep better -- and help her overcome depression.

  48. Monday March 31, 2008

    1. Exciting News For Heart and Stroke Patients

      Blog Post - Two-drug combination blood pressure therapy lowers cardiovascular risk in patients with high blood pressure.

  49. Monday March 24, 2008

    1. Are You Worried Sick About Your Parent's Heart Disease?

      Blog Post - Caring for someone with heart disease may increase your risk of heart disease and depression. Consider these tips for better heart health.

  50. Monday March 17, 2008

    1. Talking Your Parent Into Trying Talk Therapy

      Blog Post - Talk therapy can help older people beat depression. Here are some practical guidelines for talking your parent into giving psychotherapy a try.

  51. Tuesday March 11, 2008

    1. The Link Between Depression and Heart Disease

      Blog Post - Find out if there's a link between and heart disease, and if there's a substantial cause and effect relationship.