Want to learn about stroke? Come to the forum

14 September 2009

Armidale Hospital staff will be celebrating National Stroke Week (14-20 September) by hosting the inaugural Armidale Community Stroke Forum for anybody with an interest in stoke.

The forum, organised by local Stroke Care Coordinator Alex Little, will be held at Kent House, Faulkner St, Armidale on Friday 18 September between 9am and 3.30pm.

“Stroke is a major health issue across Australia, with 6000 new and recurrent strokes happening every year – that’s one every ten minutes,” Ms Little said.

“Stroke can happen to anyone at any age which is why we’re trying to raise awareness about stroke, and help people learn how to recognise the signs of stroke and what they can do to lower their risk of having one.”

Throughout the day there will be presentations on a variety of topics including an update on the latest medical treatments, a one-handed cooking demonstration and information on mood and depression following stroke.

Attendees will also hear from local stroke survivor Valma Bell and her husband Gordon, about how stroke has changed their lives.

“I was only 33 when I had my stroke - I was young and I don’t even think I knew what the signs of a stroke were back then,” Mrs Bell said.

“Back in 1993, it seemed stroke wasn’t taken as seriously as it is now. These days, there are a lot more treatments for stroke and the health system has really come alive in terms of what they can do to help stroke survivors and their families.”

Stroke Coordinator, Alex Little, said that getting to hospital FAST is one of the key messages for National Stroke Week.

The FAST campaign released by the National Stroke Foundation is an easy way to recognise the signs of stroke:

Face – check the person’s face. Has their mouth or eye drooped?
Arms – can the person raise both arms?
Speech – can the person speak clearly and understand what you are saying to them?
Time is critical. If you recognise any of these signs of stroke, call 000 straight away, because stroke is a medical emergency!
 
“One of the things that helped me was getting to hospital quickly,” said Mrs Bell. “That’s why people of all ages need to be aware of the signs so they can get urgent treatment if they think they are having a stroke.”

For further details about the forum or to RSVP for the event contact Alex Little at Armidale Hospital on (02) 6776 9884.

Contact: Emma Gibbs

Phone: (02) 6767 7137 or 0428 114 767