National Stroke Week 2020

This year we will be celebrating National Stroke week for the F.A.S.T heroes saving lives, simply be recognising the signs of stroke (Face, Arms, Speech & Time), and acting FAST!

What is stroke?

There are two types of stroke – Ischaemic and Haemorrhagic stroke. An Ischaemic stroke occurs when blood supply to the brain is interrupted or stops moving through an artery, due to blockage of the artery. A haemorrhagic stroke occurs when there is a break in the wall of a blood vessel in the brain, causing blood to leak into the brain, cutting off the delivery of oxygen and nutrients.

Who is at risk?

Stroke can happen to anyone of any age, however men are generally at greater risk, and as we get older, the likelihood increases. With that being said, more than 80% of strokes can be prevented with lifestyle management, such as controlling blood pressure, cholesterol, weight, diabetes, smoking cessation and reducing our intake of alcohol.

High Blood pressure is the leading modifiable risk factor for stroke and the most preventable cause of stroke worldwide. Regularly checking your blood pressure and adhering to a healthy diet and lifestyle will help lower your risk of stroke. It is important to be aware that if you or a family member has risk factors, you can reduce your risk and help prevent stroke by making time for a blood pressure check at our pharmacy.

This year, you can also get involved and become a F.A.S.T hero simply by knowing and recognising the signs of stroke and calling an ambulance immediately. In 2020, since the Covid-19 outbreak, there have been fewer people calling triple zero (000) and going to hospital at the first signs of stroke. Stroke is always a medical emergency and a pandemic does not change that. It is very important to act FAST to save a life, as time is critical. Drop by to our pharmacy to learn more about the signs of stroke and the actions to take, and at the same time, get a stroke risk assessment check done.

This is the moment to take charge of your own health!

To find out more about stroke week, follow the link:

https://strokefoundation.org.au/What-we-do/Prevention-programs/National-stroke-week