The FAST test identifies up to 89% of strokes and TIA’s and is an easy way to recognise and remember the key signs of stroke, and what to do when they occur.

Using the FAST test involves asking three simple questions:

Face - Check their face. Has their mouth drooped?
Arms - Can they lift both arms?
Speech - Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you?
Time - Is critical. If you see any of these signs call 000 straight away.

We are  advertising the FAST message in March, June and October this year, if you would like to help support our efforts, you can hold your own FAST avtivity to help to spread the FAST messsage.

Simply order a  FAST activity pack, the pack contains posters, balloons, wallet cards and flyers to help you.

If you would like to participate in other ways or have any queries, please contact Jasmine Sison at jsison@strokefoundation.com.au or 03 9670 1000.

Note: You can order FAST activity packs all year round.

Image originally via HeraldSun

We all like to think that every time we speak we might save a life or assist in preventing dependent disability. There are no doubt many good news stories we don’t hear about and we are all making a difference every timed we speak. It is however very gratifying when we do hear these stories.

Late last year I spoke to a community group of about 20 women in their 70’s and 80’s. Recently the organiser of this talk contacted the NSF to let us know that a lady who heard me talk had a stroke a few months after hearing my presentation. The good news is, because of the strokesafe Ambassador presentation she recognised the signs of stroke, called 000 and has made a strong recovery.

In the busy-ness of kids, work and life my husband and I had begun jesting about me not talking time off work or away from family for groups of less than 80 young people, joking of course.

But joking aside, the key thing I’ve been reminded of is that every life is important. The quality of life of every stroke survivor matters. Stroke recovery is a difficult and lonely journey for all stroke survivors and those close to them, regardless of age.

The volunteering that we all do for the National Stroke Foundation really does make such a big difference to so many people.

Thanks for the post Karen. This story highlights how the fundraising our community does can directly affect someone life. With the money you raise we are able to channel funds into community programs about awareness, fund life saving research into stroke, lobby government and offer support for those affected by stroke.

Pat and Helen La Manna established a bequest to NSF by way of a charitable Foundation for very personal reasons. Helen has had a lifetime of high blood pressure and Pat has had a stroke. Their bequest was established in 2000 as a thank you because they both benefitted from stroke prevention and recovery treatment. Their wish is that their bequest help find a cure for stroke. Helen’s grandfather died of a stroke and after his stroke Pat promised himself that if he recovered he would work for charity. They are comforted to know their bequest will benefit everyone’s future. They meticulously researched the best way National Stroke Foundation could benefit from their bequest intentions and so their own Foundation was established. When in business they donated a percentage of every box of bananas sold plus a percentage of their takings from another business resulting in a high interest return to the Foundation.

Pat and Helen, who will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on the 9th December, believe that generosity is contagious.

“People who don’t give learn about generosity from those around them,” they said.

Helen prefers to give without acknowledgement while Pat believes that he can help people become aware that giving makes a difference. Their differences complement their belief that, ‘giving is a gift’.

Pat was named Senior Australian of the Year in 2009, has a Papal Knighthood and is the recipient of a Lions International Award. They fund a research grant on ‘feasibility of a home-based program to improve handwriting legibility after stroke’.

Donors who leave a bequest to the NSF as part of their will may choose to leave a percentage of their estate or a specific dollar amount. If you would like more information please call our donor liaison team on 1300 194 196 or email Bequest@strokefoundation.com.au

Welcome to the round up of 2011 Stroke Foundation blog. I would like to begin with a thank you for your generous support of the Stroke Foundation. Without your help, we could not provide vital services to the many people affected by stroke every year.

In 2011 our team has been involved in many new initiatives for stroke and has also been finalising a number of projects that have been in development. Some new projects include a comprehensive consumer resource – My Stroke Journey to be distributed to people when they have their stroke – which we expect to be rolled out in 2012. This initiative will serve as a roadmap of available services and a guide to the complex path to recovery many stroke survivors will tread. Developed out of a clear need expressed by the stroke community – survivors, families and carers - the kit will complement StrokeLine, which is an important freecall service where any individual can speak to an NSF health professional for advice and support about stroke.

A comprehensive survey of the needs of stroke survivors, families and carers is also being undertaken. This important work reflects our commitment to supporting every individual touched by stroke from their hospital admission to rehabilitation and their return home. This research project will survey 1,000 stroke survivors and carers using methodology already endorsed and tested by the UK Stroke Association, to estimate the long-term unmet need for stroke care in Australia. A survey of this scope has not previously been conducted here and we are grateful to The Trust Company and Collier Charitable Foundation for their generous support in funding this important piece of work.

We have just launched a successful audit of acute stroke services in Australian hospitals. A detailed and exhaustive process that is drawn from feedback from participating hospitals in Australia who see more than 100 cases of stroke every year. From this survey we can provide a snapshot of the strengths and weaknesses of the system as it pertains to stroke. The final document, which we revisit every two years, is used to measure progress in acute stroke services and is a guide to where improvements need to be made. While there have been some improvements, Australian hospitals are still lacking an adequate number of stroke units where we know if stroke patients are admitted in the first instance they are most likely to recover and have the best chance of returning to an independent life.

We have also enjoyed wonderful support from the community in some of the new fundraising events we have initiated. A highlight of our fundraising this year is Food for Thought. Held this year in Melbourne, Sydney and Hobart, the event brings together elite chefs who kindly donate their time, skill and produce to provide an evening of fine food and entertainment while drawing attention to the seriousness of stroke. Life-sized photographic portraits of stroke survivors remind guests and sponsors of why they have been brought together. Some images from the 2011 program are included here for your interest as well as 2012 program dates. Please consider supporting one of these beautiful evenings next year. Other fundraising initiatives include this year’s inaugural Walk for Stroke, where a group of supporters walked the stunning Great Ocean Rd to raise money for NSF. Our thanks and appreciation for such a great achievement. Support continues from our very loyal community and we are extremely grateful to the donors, volunteers, foundations, companies and private benefactors who generously contribute to our cause.

Our mission remains to stop stroke, save lives and end suffering. With your continued help we work towards realising this goal every year. In the meantime we are able to provide better support for the stroke community and can continue to lobby the Governments of Australia for better services for stroke - at every stage of the journey – for survivors, their family and friends. Thank you. Every dollar we raise makes a difference and we cannot achieve our mission without you.

As always, please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or comments about our work and we hope you have a safe and healthy summer.

Merry Christmas,

Erin Lalor

Note: More about the stroke survivor and carer survey.

Have you had a stroke? Are you a carer of someone who has had a stroke?

The National Stroke Foundation is conducting a national survey of stroke survivors and carers of stroke survivors. We need your help to find out what stroke support or services are currently needed in Australia. This information will help to inform strategy and advocacy work of the National Stroke Foundation.

Please click here to download a patient information sheet for you and your carer to read, so that you can decide if one or both of you wish to complete the survey. It contains detailed information about the project and clearly explains all of the processes involved.

To participate please click here and complete the online survey or call 1800 STROKE (1800 787 653) to complete the survey over the telephone

If you prefer to be contacted by post please email survey@strokefoundation.com.au with your postal address to receive a survey in the mail.

Anita Mitchell describes herself as a “novice runner” even though she took up the sport as part of a new fitness regime several years ago.

Since then the 30-year-old mother of two has built up her strength and stamina to a point where she has already completed a half-marathon (21kms).

“I didn’t think I could run a long distance until a trainer told me that if I could run 10kms then I could run 21,” Anita says.

And she was thrilled to find that she could.

Anita, who lives in Melbourne’s northern suburbs, has recently committed to running a full marathon – the renowned Paris Marathon in April 2012 – for the National Stroke Foundation.

She aims to raise $12,000 which will go towards funding stroke research, prevention and awareness programs.

Stroke is Australia’s second biggest killer and a leading cause of disability. 1 in 6 people will have a stroke in their lifetime and the National Stroke Foundation works to raise awareness of stroke, advocate for better treatment and more stroke units in hospitals, fund research and provide services and programs to support stroke survivors, families and carers.

She enjoys the challenge of running because, she says, it draws on reserves of patience she did not previously think she had.

“I don’t naturally have a lot of patience – I generally want to get in, get it done and go,” Anita says.

“Marathons take a lot of patience, a lot of concentration on getting through the next kilometre and the next.”

Anita, who is Business Operations Manager at NSF, had no hesitation in raising this money for her new favourite charity.

“And Paris is my favourite city, I can’t imagine running through more beautiful streets.”

For more information on running the Paris Marathon and other NSF challenges, go to Doit4Stroke or call Kim Vernon on (03) 9670 1000.

When Gwen Stretch climbs the vast reaches of Mt Kilimanjaro in June next year she will have achieved a significant milestone in a journey that began for her in May 2010.

Gwen’s beloved sister Amy, then just 25, died after suffering a massive stroke on her way to work on an otherwise unremarkable day in Perth.

While it is unclear what caused Amy’s stroke, Gwen and her family have looked to support a greater understanding of the condition and the fact that it remains the nation’s second biggest cause of death.

“Young people shouldn’t die of anything at all,” Gwen says.

“But especially not stroke.”

Gwen, now 25 - as Amy was when she died - feels a strong urge to get involved in fundraising and support a condition that is little understood and that claimed the life of her big sister.

As part of her commitment, Gwen is taking part in the National Stroke Foundation’s Summit 4 Stroke fundraising challenge.

Gwen is now busy raising funds and training for a trip that will take her to Tanzania in Africa and undertake the trek of a lifetime.

“It’s a great opportunity to get involved in something for me, something for Amy and something for the NSF.

“And I know it may sound strange but I keep thinking that I will get to go right up into the clouds and see her.”

Stroke is Australia’s second biggest killer and a leading cause of disability. 1 in 6 people will have a stroke in their lifetime and the National Stroke Foundation works to raise awareness of stroke, advocate for better treatment and more stroke units in hospitals, fund research and provide services and programs to support stroke survivors, families and carers.

Gwen who is from WA but now lives and works in Sydney, where she is a personal assistant for a mining company, is hoping to draw on corporate as well as personal contacts to support her adventure.

“As hard as it is going to be I’m going to try to do it and do it properly. I do find it difficult being the same age now as Amy was when she died and I want to do something to help stop stroke.”

For more information on the National Stroke Foundation’s Summit4Stroke Kilimanjaro Challenge go to ‘nsf challenges’   or call Kim Vernon on 03) 9670 1000

My name is Maureen… in May last year at the age of 41, I suffered a massive stroke.

My husband recognised the warning signs and sought urgent medical attention.

His response prevented devastating, permanent disabilities or more likely… my death.

Life for me, still revolves around rehabilitation, but I’m definitely one of the lucky ones! I expect to eventually make a full recovery.

My family would like to raise awareness about the warning signs and cause of stroke, while raising funds for the National Stroke Foundation.

Saturday October 22nd from 7.30pm til approx 11.30pm.

Chelsea RSL, Thames Promenade Chelsea (Victoria).

Guest Speakers:

Dr Bruce Bolam Divisional Director of Prevention and Awareness, National Stroke Foundation.
Mel and Carol Hughes Mt Eliza / Mt Martha Stroke Support Group.

If you would like to book tickets for the dinner or make a tax deductible donation, please email Maureen M_lesjak@yahoo.com.au

Image via Lifestylefood.com.au

Food for Thought Sydney - 13 October

Experience the magic that happens when eight elite chefs join together to create an unforgettable and thought provoking menu.

Join Adriano Zumbo – Adriano Zumbo , Alessandro Pavoni – Ormeggio at The Spit, Spiedo, Colin Fassnidge – Four in Hand, Giovanni Pilu – Pilu at Freshwater, Leanne Beck – Sweet Infinity , Riccardo Momesso – Sarti (Melbourne), Richard Ptacnik – Otto and Soren Lascelles –  Assiette for this prestigious event at Doltone House on the stunning Sydney Harbour.

We will be putting up a series of recipes from the fabulous chefs ckooking at our Food for Thought Sydney event. This week we celebrate the genius that is Alessandro Pavoni - Ormeggio at the Spit and Spiedo.

www.foodforthoughtsydney.com.au

Ocean trout crudo, squid mayonaise, crispy mandarine, sea lettuce

Ingredients or components for 10 portions

CURING MIXTURE leave for 45 min then wash
Sugar, cane 20 g
Sea salt 80
Lemon zest 10 g
Fennel tops 10 g
Mandarine dressing 50 g
Squid ink Mayonaise 30 g

Recipe
Mandarin freeze dry 10 g
Sea lettuce dry 4 g
Ocean trout 1.2 kg
Ocean trout roe 20 g
Lemon balm 30 g

Preparation
Wash the trout fillet from the curing mixture
Slice the trout in fine slices
Place the slices on a plate
Dress with the mandarine dressing
Add some squid ink mayo dots
Add the trout roe
Add lemon balm
Add freeze dry mandarine
Finish with a dust of sea lettuce

Meet Sarah Cullen
At just 14 Sarah collapsed with a stroke during a school game of hockey. After an agonising challenge to regain her motor and speech skills she suffered a second stroke at the tender age of 16.

The two strokes threatened to cut short her education, independence, and dreams of a career. But fear gave way to determination – Sarah finished year 12 and has a degree in science.

“I have come to see my stroke as a gift. Nobody would ever want to have a stroke but it has made me do and experience things I never would have otherwise.”

Sarah is one of the stroke survivors whose strength and courage will be celebrated at the Food for Thought Sydney event.

More about Food for Thought Sydney

Eight life-size, thought provoking portraits of stroke survivors will be featured at an amazing dinner hosted by Joanna Saville, co-editor of the SMH Good Food Guide and the Director of the International Food Festival and featuring eight of Sydney’s best chefs.

Food for Thought combines the best food and photography and celebrates the lives of stroke survivors. As one survivor said “I live my life. Not the one that stroke gave me.”

Join Adriano Zumbo, Alessandro Pavoni, Colin Fassnidge, Giovanni Pilu, Leanne Beck, Riccardo Momesso, Richard Ptacnik and Soren Lascelles as they combine their creative expertise to serve up an unforgettable seven course degustation menu, with complementing wines.  During the dinner guests will be treated to a cooking demonstration by each of the chefs who explain how to recreate their dishes.

Food for Thought is being held at Doltone House in Pyrmont Point NSW on Thursday, 13th October 2011.

www.foodforthoughtsydney.com.au

Image via www.facebook.com

How can implementing a population-wide salt-reduction program be so hard?

For most of human evolution, the average daily diet contained a fraction of a gram of salt and our physiology developed accordingly. A few thousand years ago, with the discovery that salt could preserve food, average intake started to rise. Now, with salt poured into the food supply, average Australian consumption levels are many times our physiological need. Populations eating the level of salt upon which we evolved are now few, but they provide a window into normal physiological processes. One of the most notable findings is that their blood pressure levels do not rise with age.

Despite recent highly publicised reports, there is little debate about the adverse impact of salt on human health. The totality of the evidence is convincing and the unbiased findings from randomised trials of salt reduction particularly so. While a number of non-randomised studies have suggested health benefits of salt consumption, the publicity they receive greatly exceeds their real significance. Observational nutritional epidemiology is incredibly difficult to do well, and the diversity of findings almost certainly reflects methodological challenges, not discrepant science. Although direct evidence from a single adequately powered mortality and morbidity trial of salt reduction is lacking, the circumstantial evidence remains striking and the likelihood that reduction in salt intake will not reduce vascular risk is small.

The strength of the evidence base has persuaded multiple national and international organisations of the need to reduce salt consumption. All hypertension guidelines advocate consuming less salt, and more than 30 countries now have some form of population-based salt-reduction program in place. A series of influential reports has highlighted the large health gains that might be achieved from such national programs and the low costs required to deliver them. The issue is no longer whether salt reduction should be a goal, but how it can be achieved.

The reason salt reduction presents such a great public health opportunity is that almost everyone eats far more than they need. Average consumption in Australia is between 8 and 10 grams per day, with immediate and long-term implications for blood pressure. The early effects occur within weeks and the chronic effects over decades. As shown by Huggins and colleagues in this issue of the Journal, and previously noted by the Intersalt study, a daily intake 6 grams above physiological need will push up systolic blood pressure by a few millimetres of mercury in the short term and thereafter by about half a millimetre each year. This chronic effect translates into 25mmHg over 50 years, with enormous implications for individual and population risks of vascular disease.

Blood pressure is a leading cause of disease burden in Australia, and our strategy for preventing disease attributable to high blood pressure is hypertension control — individuals are diagnosed as hypertensive and treated within the medical system. Hypertension is currently the most frequent reason for a primary care consultation, with annual direct health care costs of more than a billion dollars. For those who need and receive it, antihypertensive therapy is a highly effective intervention.

Unfortunately, the clinical approach also has some limitations. First and foremost among these is that half of all disease caused by high blood pressure occurs among people without hypertension. Risks start to accrue well below the blood pressure level of 140/ 90mmHg that generally defines hypertension, and systolic blood pressure levels of 125–135 mmHg are associated with greater risks than a level of 120mmHg. While more moderate than the risks faced by those with hypertension, these blood pressure levels  cause a very large number of adverse events because these are theblood pressure levels of most of the population.

The limited coverage achieved by the clinical hypertensioncontrol strategy further reduces its effectiveness. Only about half of hypertensive people are identified and treated;14 less than half ofthese get to target blood pressure levels,14 and almost none achieve a systolic pressure of 120 mmHg or below. Accordingly, clinicalmanagement of hypertension in Australia probably prevents only about a 10th of all blood pressure-related disease.

A plausible population-wide salt-reduction program thatremoved salt at the source could within a few years avert a similarproportion of disease burden at an annual cost of just $10–20 million. To achieve this, the Australian Government simply needsto set and enforce salt targets for foods, as has been done in the United Kingdom.7 Average salt consumption would fall, mean population blood pressure would immediately follow, and the long-term rise in blood pressure with age would be attenuated.

The real question is how this can be so hard. For almost no extra cost and at no risk, there is a high likelihood we could double the proportion of blood pressure-related disease averted within just a few years. With a proven overseas model to follow, our failure to take the action required is bordering on negligent. No one is going to lose their parliamentary seat and no one is going to go out of business if they make this happen. There are just going to be a lot of unnecessary strokes and heart attacks while the people pickling us figure this out.

Author Bruce C Neal, MB ChB, PhD, FRCP, Senior Director
The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, NSW.

Published in the MJA 1 August 2011