Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Stroke is Australia’s second biggest killer after coronary disease and a leading cause of disability.
This National Stroke Week (September 8-14) the National Stroke Foundation is urging local residents reduce the impact of stroke on the community.
National Stroke Foundation New South Wales executive officer Greg Cantwell said the state’s greatest risk factors for stroke included 18 per cent of the population with high blood pressure and 45 per cent who are physically inactive.
“Too many people are unaware of their stroke risk and what steps they can take to reduce that risk,’’ Mr Cantwell said.
“The simple things can make a big difference to your stroke risk.
“For individuals, making a change to your risk status by not smoking, controlling blood pressure and cholesterol can drastically reduce your risk of stroke
“We are all in this together, communities must come together and take action to reduce their stroke risk, learn more about stroke and help raise stroke awareness.
“Visit your local pharmacy or a city activation site for a Know Your Numbers health check,” he said.
Pharmacies including Direct Chemist Bega, Priceline Bega, Bermagui Pharmacy and Eden Pharmacy will be holding blood pressure checks during Stoke Week, or you can call 1300 122 268 to find out your nearest participating pharmacy.
Stroke also recognises the dedicated clinicians that provide stroke care.
More than 500 clinicians from across NSW work closely with the Agency for Clinical Innovation (ACI) Stroke Network to design and promote better stroke care.
Acting ACI chief executive Raj Verma said that although stroke is more common in older people, it can occur at any age, with one in five strokes occurring in people under the age of 55.
“Improvements in stroke care are a direct result of the investment in services by NSW Health and Local Health Districts, and the leadership of organisations like ACI and NSW Ambulance to deliver faster better stroke care across NSW,” Mr Verma said.
“Today healthcare staff should be commended for their efforts to improve stroke care and encouraged to continue to raise awareness of the early signs of stroke.”
Call Triple Zero (000) for emergency help if you or someone you know experiences the following symptoms:
•Weakness, numbness or paralysis of the face, arm or leg – especially on one side of the body.
•Sudden blurred or decreased vision in one or both eyes.
•Difficulty speaking or understanding simple statements.
•Loss of balance, especially when combined with another symptom.
•Sudden severe or unexplained headache.