Stroke is one of Australia's biggest killers and this week in the Hunter we're being encouraged to Think Fast and Act Fast as National Stroke Week kicks off.
The Stroke Foundation is aiming to ensure every Australian household has someone who knows the signs of a stroke and what to do if you're ever in the unthinkable position. The life you save could be a loved one, but it could also be your own.
More than 80 per cent of strokes can be prevented, and General Practitioner Dr Sam Hay says the FAST test is the easiest way to recognise the signs of a stroke.
FAST Test:
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.
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.
"So it's something that every single Australian needs to have at the front of their minds. We need to be managing the major risk factors - keep your blood pressure down, get out and get fit and healthy, lose weight, manage diabetes, stop smoking and be healthy - that's the big key!" said Dr Sam.
Stroke is also one of the leading causes of disability because of the potential damage it can do to blood vessels in the brain, and the financial cost alone of strokes in Australia is estimated to be $5 billion each year.
"There is a big difference between a stroke and a heart attack. A heart attack is where you get a blockage of one of the arteries in your heart and it directly affects your heart. A stroke is where you've got some sort of problem with a blood vessel in the brain," said Dr Sam.
 |
| Image pacificneuroscienceinstitute.org |
