Stroke Awareness Week- Health Minister’s statement
Health Minister, Nicola Roxon, has highlighted the fact that this week is Stroke Awareness Week – which aims to encourage all Australians to look out for the warning signs of stroke – facial weakness, arm weakness and speech difficulties.
Stroke is Australia’s second largest killer with around 60,000 Australians experiencing a stroke each year, which equates to one person every 10 minutes.
Recognising these signs can be the difference between severe disability or death and making a good recovery. If you, or someone you are with, experience these symptoms, call 000 immediately.
Stroke is characterised by the sudden onset of neurological symptoms lasting longer than 24 hours. This occurs when an artery supplying the brain suddenly becomes blocked or bleeds. Severe stroke can lead to loss of consciousness or paralysis.
Stroke, like other cardiovascular diseases, is largely preventable. Lifestyle choices such as a balanced diet low in saturated fat and salt, regular moderate exercise, quitting smoking and maintaining low blood pressure, can all help to reduce the risk of stroke.
The Rudd Government is dedicated to making the prevention of chronic diseases, such as stroke and other cardiovascular disease, a greater priority.
The Government has established the Preventative Health Taskforce to provide advice on preventative health programs and strategy, focusing on the burden of chronic disease currently caused by obesity, tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption.
As well, the Government has committed $220,000 to the National Stroke Foundation to revise the ‘Clinical Guidelines for Acute Stroke Management’, hold a National Stroke Summit, and develop a stroke support strategy.
