005: Recovering from a stroke at age 33, with Chou Hellegra
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Today I’m honored to be tallking to Chou Hallegra. We were originally going to discuss migraines, but last December, at the age of 33, Chou suffered a stroke. For three months she has gone through intense therapy, and she is doing so well that today she is able to talk about it here.
Chou Hallegra, the founder of Grace & Hope Consulting, LLC, is a Board Certified Christian Counselor, a Certified Cognitive-Behavioral Group Therapist, a Certified Trainer for Person-Centered Thinking, and a Certified Supports Broker.
Chou has over a decade of experience working in human services, providing counseling, case management, and job coaching to individuals affected by mental health challenges, intellectual and developmental differences, addictions, homelessness, and single parenting.
Having personally experienced some debilitating and chronic health conditions, Chou is passionate about helping others achieve emotional wellness and reach their full potential so they can enjoy fulfilling lives. As a parent of children with complex needs, she understands first-hand the challenges of caregiving and loves to support families of people with disabilities and/or special healthcare needs.
Things to know about strokes:
Strokes can happen to young people as well as old people.
People with migraines are more succeptable to stroke & should avoid certain anesthesia.
The Warning signs of a stroke
Remember the acronym – FAST:
Face drooping
Arm weakness
Speech difficulty
Time to call 9-1-1
Chou’s advice for moms with health issues:
Your illness, or whatever diagnosis you have does not define you.
It might be part of your journey, or part of who you are right now?
It might be chronic, but it doesn’t have to define who you are?
We have to start living beyond our diagnosis, and choose to LIVE, no matter what.
Anybody can work?finding what you enjoy doing, even if you’re volunteering for two hours, even if you’re recording something like this to encourage someone else,
Do something that you’re passionate about, that gives you purpose and a reason to live, and get out of bed every day
Chou’s superpower is: My faith. I keep going no matter what because no matter what comes my way, it always turns out for the best.
-Listen to the episode to find out more-
Thanks for listening,
Jen
You can find Chou:
Website: https://www.graceandhopeconsulting.com
Faceboook: https://www.facebook.com/GraceandHopeConsulting/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GHConsultingLLC
Google+: https://plus.google.com/118300558327763459329
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Special thanks to Chou for joining me this week
Our music is “A New Day,” by Scott Holmes
This episode is sponsored by the book, “The Sick Mom’s Guide to Having Fun Again: If I can do it, you can too!” available on Amazon, and all major online booksellers.