Stroke Week
National Stroke Week (September 12-18) is the Stroke Foundation's annual awareness campaign. The focus of this years campaign is to educate Australian's about the impact time has on a stroke. Quickly identifying a stroke can influence the outcome for the individual generating a positive treatment path and recovery time period. During a stroke 1.9 million brain cells are lost every minute and most treatments for stroke are time sensitive.
Identifying Stroke
The F.A.S.T method promotes the signs to look out for if you think someone may be suffering a stroke.
Face appears drooped
Arms can't be raised
Speech is slurred
Time is vital, call 000 immediately
Preventing Stroke
One important topic to discuss during stroke week are the risk factors associated with stroke. Cardiovascular diseases including strokes are caused by a number of risk factors. Some of these risk factors are non-modifiable and can't be avoided such as;
Age
Genetic makeup
Ethnic background
Body shape or fat distribution
However, there are many risk factors of stroke that are modifiable and can be changed to help prevent stroke. These include the following lifestyle factors;
Poor diet (low fruit & vegetable intake, excess intake of saturated fat & salt)
Being overweight or obese
High blood cholesterol
High blood pressure
Smoking
Alcohol
Physical inactivity
On Thursday 15 September we are holding an information stall with the Swan Hill Stroke Support Group. We will be at the Community Tree near Sportspower from 10am with information and resources about stroke and healthy lifestyle choices. The website LiveLighter www.livelighter.com.au/ also has some great fact sheets and resources available.
