Staying Active at Home

STROKE AND COVID-19

Our five-part series explores COVID-19 and its potential impact on stroke survivors and their caregivers and families. Hear stroke patients’ questions and concerns and our stroke experts’ responses.

Episode 3 Staying Active at Home

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Staying Active at Home Moderated by Emmy Award-winning news anchor and journalist Carey Peña, this episode features stroke survivor Kelly Fucheck and Dr. Rani Whitfield, a board-certified family physician and sports medicine expert. When Fucheck had two strokes on the same day, she was just 32 years old, severely overweight and a smoker with no fitness regimen. Nine years later, she owns a wellness company and has worked hard to live healthier, including losing weight and being more active. Her physical transformation has helped her weather the COVID-19 pandemic. Whitfield discusses why physical activity is important for stroke survivors and shares tips and resources for staying active even while staying at home.

Podcast Participants (in order of appearance)

Kelly Fucheck (Stroke survivor and certified health coach)

Kelly Fucheck says her stroke saved her life and changed her forever. She was 32 years old, severely overweight and a smoker with no fitness regimen when she suffered two strokes on the same day in June 2010. Almost 10 years later, she has worked hard to live healthier, losing weight and being more active. She has even run six half-marathons! She has focused her post-stroke interest in wellness by earning her certified health coach designation and starting A Size Strong, a wellness company that helps companies, schools and households make lifestyle changes. Fucheck, who lives in Texas with her husband and two children, is an active volunteer for the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association.

Carey Peña (Moderator)

Carey Peña is an Emmy Award-winning news anchor, host and investigative journalist. As founder and CEO of Inspired Media 360, she created her dream company at the intersection of tech and TV. Peña strives to inspire people through the stories IM360 covers, the shows and content her company creates, and the many charity events and other activities where she serves as master of ceremonies or volunteers her time.

Dr. Rani Whitfield

Dr. Rani G. Whitfield, also known as Tha Hip Hop Doc, is a board-certified family physician with a certificate of added qualification in sports medicine. He has a private practice in his native Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Whitfield completed medical school training at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee, and his residency in family medicine at Franciscan Medical Center in Dayton, Ohio. He earned his certificate of added qualification in sports medicine from Ohio State University. He’s a long-time volunteer for the American Stroke Association, earning the Southeastern Affiliate’s Service Award in 2008 and the American Stroke Association Legacy Award in 2009.