Health spotlight: Stroke
Mark your calendars for August 5-11 because it’s National Stroke Week! This week is all about banding together to fight stroke, share tips, and support each other. We’ve whipped up a guide to help you understand strokes, recognise the symptoms, and learn how to prevent them.
What’s a stroke?
A stroke happens when blood flow to a part of your brain is suddenly blocked. Without that steady stream of oxygen and nutrients, brain cells start to die, and the affected areas can suffer permanent damage. Think of it as your brain being cut off from its lifeline.
Source: Source: Zurich Insurance Group. Cost of care whitepaper vol 2
Spotting the symptoms of a stroke
You can remember the main symptoms of a stroke with the word FAST. If you think someone might be having a stroke, check these signs:
Face — Is one side of their face drooping?
Arms — Can they raise both arms?
Speech — Is their speech slurred or strange?
Time — Time is crucial! If you notice any of these signs, call triple zero (000) right away and ask for an ambulance. Early treatment can be a lifesaver.
Stroke in Australia
Strokes are the leading cause of disability in Australia. About 1 in 4 people will have a stroke in their lifetime. It’s also a major killer, ranking as the second most common cause of death.
While strokes are more common in older folks, nearly a third of all stroke survivors are of working age. The impact of a stroke can vary a lot—some people bounce back and continue with their lives, while others need ongoing care.
In Australia, strokes kill more women than breast cancer and more men than prostate cancer, but it doesn’t get nearly the same level of attention.
Insurance consideration
Stroke recovery can last from 14 days to 6 months. The length is very much dependent on the progress of the patient and severity of the stroke.
Impact of stroke
According to a Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers (SDAC) conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), 66% of survivors of stroke required aids, 52% required equipment and 33% required home modifications.
Generally, treatment for stroke is divided into three distinct stages:
Can strokes be prevented?
Over 80% of strokes are preventable. By making some smart lifestyle choices and managing certain health conditions, you can seriously reduce your risk of having a stroke.
First things first, keep an eye on those risk factors like high blood pressure and cholesterol. Eating healthy and staying active play a big role in keeping these in check.
Chat with your doc to get a handle on any conditions that might up your stroke risk, such as:
High blood pressure
Diabetes
High cholesterol
Living a healthy lifestyle is your best defense against strokes. Here are some simple steps to take:
Stay active: Get moving with regular exercise. Even a daily walk can make a big difference.
Eat well: Fill your plate with plenty of fruits, veggies, and whole grains.
Quit smoking: If you smoke, make a plan to quit.
Drink in moderation: Keep an eye on your alcohol intake – moderation is key.
By following these tips and working with your doctor, you can significantly cut down your risk of having a stroke.
Resources and support
For more information and support, contact these services.
Call the StrokeLine on 1800 787 653.
Visit the Stroke Foundation to get advice about stroke treatment, prevention and recovery.