ADVERTISING FEATURE
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On from September 2 to 8 in 2019, National Stroke Week is an awareness campaign that is just as interested in prevention as it is in the recovery of sufferers.
Additionally, the Stroke Foundation's theme this year is "FAST heroes", in recognition of those who identified the signs quickly and called an ambulance immediately, minimising the damage caused and in some cases saving a life as a result.
FAST stands for Face, Arms, Speech, Time, and these are the signs to look for.
Has their face dropped? Can they lift both arms? Is their speech slurred? (and can they understand you?) If you see these signs then time is critical so call 000.
There are other symptoms (for instance, if it's your face and arms, one or both sides may start off feeling numb), but remembering FAST will help you recognise the signs of a stroke when you see them.
There are a few types of stroke, but they all have one thing in common. The brain has suddenly been denied a supply of oxygen and nutrients from the bloodstream.
Without this supply, cells will begin to die, which is why time is so critical.
AFFECTS ALL AGES
Stroke can happen to people of any age, including about one in every 50,000 newborn children.
The stroke foundation says the reason the blood supply is interrupted to induce a childhood stroke isn't well known due to there being little research, and quite a number of potential causes exist including various circulatory conditions or injury.
Adults can also suffer a stroke long before they have thought about retirement.
PREVENTION
Reducing your risk of stroke involves - and you already know this - making healthy lifestyle choices.
In June, the Stroke Foundation pointed out a recent study and stated that it showed "at least 30 percent of strokes could be prevented if we could eliminate smoking."
Addressing high blood pressure, watching what we eat, and other measures that also improve our general health all help to reduce our risk too.
This advertising feature is sponsored by:
NDIS AND REHAB
If suffering a stroke whilst still of working age (or younger) means you are now also living with a permanent disability, you or your carer would also look at whether you've become eligible for support via the NDIS.
Either way, you want to recover as best you can and there are locally-based services and professionals who can help you.
LOCAL SUPPORT
Hunter Nursing is an experienced community care organisation providing community nursing and support services to people living in the Newcastle, Port Stephens, Lake Macquarie, Lower Hunter and Central Coast regions.
With over 30 years in the industry, Hunter Nursing says they have successfully supported a number of people of varying ages following a stroke, along with their families', with their transition home from hospital and the support needed throughout their rehabilitation.
"Our qualified coordinators will work alongside you to design your services to best meet your needs and help you live life the way you choose to," they said.
Their services go beyond therapy assistance into clinical nursing and personal care to also include regular necessities like cleaning, cooking and shopping.
"We operate seven days per week and have an after hours on-call service should you need support outside of office hours."
Hunter Nursing is an approved provider for NDIS, Home Care Packages, DVA Community Nursing and Veterans Home Care.