CENTRAL Victorians are being reminded to look out for any signs of stroke this National Stroke Week.
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The Stroke Foundation's annual awareness campaign starts on Monday and will celebrate everyday Australians who know and recognise the signs of stroke - or the acronym, FAST.
The foundation has urged anyone who suspects someone they know is having a stroke to follow the acronym and do the following:
- Face - check to see if their mouth has drooped.
- Arms - can they lift both arms?
- Speech - is their speech slurred? Do they understand you?
- Time - if you see any of these signs, call 000 immediately.
About one in four people globally will have a stroke in their lifetime. More than 475,000 Australians are living with the impact of stroke.
One of those people is Sutton Grange resident Ron Townrow. The 63-year-old was fit and healthy, and had no known health problems when he had a stroke 19 years ago.
While he was able to regain his speech and movement, Mr Townrow said he still had general weakness in his left side and extreme fatigue.
Mr Townrow and his wife Marge were recognised earlier this year for their work raising awareness around stroke.
Mrs Townrow said it was important that people were educated about the health condition.
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"The first thing is that if you think you have any of the symptoms of stroke, get to a hospital," she said. "Sometimes the signs are obvious but sometimes they're not.
"Secondly, my advice to stroke survivors is think positively, be patient, and never give up. Life will change but you must grab at the positives."
Stroke Foundation chief executive Sharon McGowan said many Victorians were delaying presentation to hospital with stroke symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"I understand stress levels are heightened and people are fearful of contracting coronavirus in hospital or over burdening our doctors and nurses, but stroke is always a medical emergency," Ms McGowan said.
"Precautions to maximise safety in COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 areas of our hospitals are implemented and they have plans in place that ensure emergency services remain available."
More information about the signs of stroke and support can be found at strokefoundation.org.au.
Residents can also find support at the Bendigo Stroke Support Centre: strokeassociation.com.au/stroke-support-centres/bendigo
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Tara Cosoleto
Journalist covering courts and general news at the Bendigo Advertiser.
Journalist covering courts and general news at the Bendigo Advertiser.
