National Stroke Week : 8 - 14th September 2014 If you felt the side of your face go numb or were unable to move your arm - what would you do? You could be having a stroke.
This week is National Stroke Week. The National Stroke Foundation is calling on all Australians to "look out for the signs of stroke, act FAST and call 000". Getting to a doctor immediately after noticing the signs of stroke can have a huge impact on a person's outcome and survival. Stroke is the second biggest killer in Australia with one occurring approximately every 10 minutes. The National Stroke Foundation encourages Australians to use an easy test called FAST to look out for the signs of stroke. FAST stands for: F ace - Can the person smile, has their mouth or eyes drooped? A rms - Can the person raise both arms? S peech - Can the person speak clearly and understand what you say? T ime - Act FAST and call 000 immediately. Reducing your risk of Stroke There are 6 steps people can take to reduce the risk and the danger of stroke 1. Know your personal risk factors: high blood pressure, diabetes and high blood cholesterol: KNOW YOUR NUMBERS 2. Be physically active and exercise regularly 3. Avoid obesity by keeping a healthy diet 4. Limit alcohol consumption 5. Avoid cigarette smoke. If you smoke, seek help to stop now 6. Learn to recognise the warning signs of stroke and act FAST The National Stroke Foundation wants Australians to #challengestroke<http://nationalstrokefoundation.cmail2.com/t/r-l-mikjho-iydidhqz-e/> this year for Stroke Week. Stroke Challenges can include: * Will limit the use of verbal communication and my right hand. The same challenges my father faced after his stroke #challengestroke * I will make my colleagues more stroke aware this National Stroke Week #challengestroke * Taking the stairs #challengestroke * Stroke kills more women than breast cancer & more men than prostate cancer #challengestroke * Discussing your stroke risk with your local doctor #challengestroke For more information please go to the National Stroke Foundation at www.strokefoundation.com.au<http://www.strokefoundation.com.au> or call 1800 787 653. ________________________________ This message is intended for the addressee(s) named and may contain confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient, please delete the message and any attachments and notify the sender. Views expressed in this message are those of the individual sender, and are not necessarily the views of NSW Health or any of its entities. _______________________________________________ bmelist mailing list bmelist@bme.asn.au http://lists.bme.asn.au/mailman/listinfo/bmelist
