Mark your calendars for National Stroke Week from August 7-13, 2023. This week is filled with nationwide events to celebrate stroke survivors who continue to cherish life's precious moments during their recovery journey. National Stroke Week also focuses on raising awareness within our communities, especially recognising signs of an impending stroke (Recognise STROKE, Think F.A.S.T). Stroke is one of Australia's most deadly and debilitating diseases, with over 56,000 new cases reported annually. Alarmingly, 30% of these patients are under the age of 65. The mortality rate of stroke surpasses that of breast and prostate cancer, highlighting its severity. Stroke can occur at any age and is mainly caused by ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. An ischemic stroke occurs when a clot blocks a blood vessel in the brain, while a hemorrhagic stroke is due to a ruptured artery in the brain.
The Stroke Foundation educates the public on how to spot the signs of a stroke, enabling timely treatment and potentially saving lives. Recognising an early sign of stroke includes the F.A.S.T. four-step process. 'F' stands for Face (watch if the patient's mouth is drooping), 'A' for Arms (can the patient raise both arms?), 'S' for Speech (is the patient's speech unclear? Can they understand others?), and 'T' for Time (if early signs of stroke are detected, it's crucial to call '000' immediately). Hypertension is the highest risk factor for stroke. If you have a history of high blood pressure, you should regularly measure and control it. Other methods to prevent stroke include controlling blood sugar and cholesterol, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol intake, exercising moderately, and maintaining a balanced diet.
If you need more information about stroke, please consult your family doctor or call the hotline: 1800 787 653 for inquiries. Chung Wah Community Care (Chung Wah CC) is committed to delivering health information to seniors and our local Asian community. Through health seminars at our community hubs and printed publications, we conduct public health promotion activities.
Chung Wah has been servicing the WA community since 1909, dedicated to improving the quality of life of individuals from diverse backgrounds. Moreover, Chung Wah CC has over 35 years of professional care experience helping seniors and people with disability improve their well-being and better integrate into the community. In 2023, we're promoting our theme, "Embrace, Elevate & Flourish", and build a better community for all.
