While National Stroke Week is over for another year, there is a way for local communities to continue to learn how to ease the burden of the disease.
Virtual or in-person StrokeSafe talks are available for workplaces, community groups and local events all year round.
StrokeSafe talks are presented by volunteers, many of whom are survivors of stroke or family members. The presentations include life-saving information about stroke, stroke prevention and recognition. The program aims to reduce the number of Australians impacted by stroke through education.
Stroke Foundation Executive Director Stroke Services Dr Lisa Murphy was pleased to see so much support for the StrokeSafe program across the country during Stroke Week (August 2-8) with 46 talks presented, largely online due to coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions in a number of states.
Dr Murphy has encouraged further bookings.
"Public health has come to the fore like never before as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
"It is wonderful to see workplaces taking steps to improve the health, wellbeing and knowledge of their staff. With the incidence of stroke growing among people of working age (18-64), these talks can make a difference to lives."
Stroke strikes the brain, the human control centre. More than 27,400 Australians experienced a stroke in 2020 – that is one stroke every 19 minutes.
Stroke is always a medical emergency. Knowing the F.A.S.T. signs of stroke can save a life. Ask these questions:
• Face – Check their face. Has their mouth drooped?
• Arms – Can they lift both arms?
• Speech – Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you?
• Time – Time is critical. If you see any of these signs, call 000 straight away.
Stroke kills up to 1.9 million brain cells per minute, but prompt medical treatment can stop this damage.
StrokeSafe Speaker Maree Scale has encouraged businesses and community groups to keep the Stroke Week momentum flowing and book a StrokeSafe talk.
"Stroke is one of Australia's biggest killers and a leading cause of disability," Maree said.
"I witnessed first-hand how one stroke can impact entire families. My son had a stroke and it changed his life in an instant."
More than 80 percent of strokes can be prevented by managing blood pressure and cholesterol and living a healthy, active lifestyle.
StrokeSafe presentations are available in-person and online. If you would like to request a free presentation please call 1300 194 196 or book online.
Book a free virtual health talk.
