National Stroke Week 2011 ran from 12 – 18th  September. We know that many of you were actively involved, and we would like to take this opportunity to thank you, and to bring you up to date with some highlights of that week and the month of  September.

Stroke Week in the media:

This is a count of the number of times National Stroke Week was mentioned in print, radio, on TV and online news sites.

In Print: 215
On the Radio: 80
On TV: 21
Online Sites: 36

Community-based activities:

•    In total, 3,966 Stroke Week activity packs were distributed this year.  Packs were distributed through partnerships, stroke support groups, online registrations and other NSF activities and programs.
•    Key partnerships continued with all state RSL clubs and most U3A state clubs, who were encouraged to hold an activity or display and received a free Stroke Week activity pack. Approximately 307,200 state golfers and 168,200 bowlers received a stroke risk factor checklist and a 1-in-6 poster for 2,800 of their club rooms combined.
•    50 Stroke Week grants of $200 were again available to stroke support groups (NSF, supported groups and friends of NSF) to support their National Stroke Week activities.

State-based launches and other activities:

New South Wales

•    The national Stroke Week launch was held in Sydney on Monday 12 September at the State Library of NSW, with Dr Erin Lalor and a stroke survivor speaking, attracting good media coverage from Prime news.
•    NSF held a display and public talk at Parramatta Library.

Tasmania

•    The launch was held at Constitution Dock and featured approximately 50 Hobart City Council (Tassie Stroke Week Partner) staff performing a 6 minute physical workout with every 6th person being identified with a 1-in-6 T-shirt.  The activity was led by 6 trainers from a local Fitness Centre who commenced proceedings with a 6 minute fitness demonstration. The Deputy Lord Mayor officiated and cut a 1-in-6 cake. A 1-in-6 resource table was set up in the council Customer Service Centre for Stroke Week; staff wore 1-in-6 T-shirts and a 1-in-6 educational featured on their Service Centre TV screen. In the north of the state the Launceston General Hospital Stroke Week Challenge featured 4 teams of 6 performing a 1:6 obstacle race. Both events generated good media coverage.
•    Nurse-led 1-in-6 event and blood pressure testing at a suburban shopping centre, Royal Hobart Hospital and Glenorchy Medical Centre
•    NSF staff presentations to 30 people at the Hobart Women’s Health Centre and Hobart Health Hub
•    NSF & CRU (Community Rehabilitation Unit) combined event for stroke survivors and carers

Victoria

•    Dr Erin Lalor and two stroke survivors attended an informal ministerial briefing at the parliamentary offices on Friday 9th September, in attendance with six members of the legislative assembly and three members from the legislative council.
•    16 NSF staff and 11 corporate volunteers from National Australia Bank (NAB) and the Trust Company distributed ‘1 in 6’ stroke risk factor checklists to commuters entering and exiting Flinders Street and Southern Cross stations on Monday 12th and Wednesday 14th September. 9,600 checklists were distributed in total, with 70 blood pressures checked on the morning of Monday 12th at Southern Cross station. A member of the general public later contacted the NSF with a positive response, after going to her GP as a result of her high BP reading that day.
•    NSF staff made presentations as part of events held at Royal Talbot Rehabilitation Centre, Footscray Hospital and Stroke Association of Victoria’s Stroke Week Forum.
•    There were 12 strokesafe ambassador presentations conducted during National Stroke Week in Victoria to a total audience of 522 people.

Western Australia

•    Perth Mayor Lisa Scaffidi and a stroke survivor spoke at an official State launch opening and generated good media coverage.
•    A ‘Stroke for Stroke’ community awareness-raising swim was held in Fremantle and a ‘neuroacqua’ exercise session for stroke survivors generated enough interest to prompt 5 more of these workshops to be held.
•    The launch of Rockingham Stroke Support Group very well attended.
•    There were 7 strokesafe ambassador presentations to a total audience of 159 people.

Parliamentary statements:

Briefings were sent through to Health Minister’s offices for their information, with the following outcomes:

•    NSW: Mrs Roza Sage (Member for Blue Mountains) and Dr Andrew McDonald (Member for Macquarie Fields) spoke on National Stroke Week as a Matter of Public Importance within the NSW Parliament.
•    VIC: Ms Georgie Crozier (Member for Southern Metropolitan Region) used parliamentary adjournment to speak on National Stroke Week.
•    TAS:  Health Minister Michelle O’Byrne moved a motion in Parliament urging Tasmanians to support National Stroke Week.
•    FED: Mrs Karen Andrews (Member for McPherson) spoke about National Stroke Week.

Image Via Heraldsun.com.au

IT’S National Stroke Week and the message the Stroke Foundation wants to get across is that one in six Australians will have a stroke.

It’s a statistic I didn’t think about until my partner had a severe stroke at the age of 54.

I’d foolishly imagined that strokes were the sort of thing that happened to people of my parents’ generation.

In the past year, though, I’ve met people from all walks of life who are trying to deal with the damage done by strokes - from toddlers to the elderly.

My learning curve took a steep climb when Peter was transferred from the acute stroke ward to a rehabilitation facility. There were four men in his ward, all in their 40s and 50s, and all with severe brain damage caused by strokes.

In the course of a single day they’d been transformed from vibrant, intelligent, independent and productive people into men with serious disabilities.

If any good can come from our experience it’s to help increase public awareness about the early warning signs of stroke. There is a wide range of information on the Stroke Foundation’s website and I implore you to read it at www.strokefoundation.com.au.

Apart from our own considerable problems, I’ve also learnt about the frustrations of many of those who work to help us.

Scarce resources and a confused and confusing health system see physiotherapists, occupational and speech therapists severely hampered in their continuing efforts to rehabilitate stroke victims.

While we’ve got to know and admire many therapists in the past year, it strikes me that there are some professionals particularly hard done by - those who don’t get to learn about the fruits of their labour.

I recall a British nurse in the emergency ward the night Peter was admitted. During his lucid moments Peter and the nurse bonded over soccer and their common love of Manchester United.

The nurse knocked off later that night hoping that Peter was going to be OK and that she’d never see him again.

Some days later the nurse recognised me in another part of the hospital and asked after Peter. I pulled back the curtain to Peter’s bed and tears rushed to the nurse’s eyes.

Peter’s passion for soccer and most other things had deserted him.

The nurse’s compassion made me wonder how many people pour their hearts into their work without ever expecting to know the outcome of their efforts.

It must be awfully hard to turn off emotionally after become intimately involved with the life-and-death dramas of strangers. We all want to know what happens next in any TV drama - but these real-life workers are meant to stifle any ongoing interest in the outcomes of their work.

The lack of feedback seems unfair to them emotionally, and unwise in terms of opportunities lost to learn from experience.

Just last week I met another such frustrated worker - a State Government employee assigned to help us navigate the treacherous waters of Victoria’s WorkCover system.

When I thanked him for his help, he simply said: “Please, just let me know what happens”. I was taken aback.

After all, we recognise the value of feedback in so many other fields of endeavour.

Why aren’t these workers getting it? Money alone can’t compensate for the blood, sweat and tears these good folk are pouring into their everyday jobs.

Article published in Herald Sun and Heraldsun.com.au

To read more articles from Jill Singer.

Know your numbers blood pressure check

This week we ran a Know your numbers free blood pressure station at Southern Cross Train station in Melbourne, for National Stroke Week.

We received this email from Linda and we wanted to share with you all.

I want to thank you, on Monday you had a free Blood Pressure check at Southern Cross Station, I thought why not check. To my disbelief the reading was 169/106 I was floored and thought no way I have always been 110/70 low. Two days later I wanted to prove you wrong so I went to my GP for a further reading, he said Linda you BP is 170/88 needless to say I was given medication for three weeks with a chage of habit ie diet & fitness. I wanted to say that Angels  made me take your test and get a wake up call and possibility that you have saved my valuable life. Keep up spreading the word as I did when I went back to work, thanking you Linda.

Find your closest location for a free blood pressure check.

Note: the image provided is not of Linda, but is taken at Southern Cross Station on the day.

Every 6 seconds someone dies from stroke –know your stroke risk and live

1 in 6 people will suffer a stroke in their lifetime. Every one of those people are someone’s sister, brother, wife, husband, daughter, son, partner, mother, father … friend. Behind these numbers are real lives. Do you know your stroke risk?

Every 6 seconds someone, somewhere, regardless of their age or gender will die from stroke. Strokes can happen to anyone but many strokes are preventable. The National Stroke Foundation is urging all Australians to follow these 6 steps to reduce the risk and danger of stroke:

1.    Know your personal risk factors: high blood pressure, diabetes and high blood cholesterol
2.    Be physically active and exercise regularly
3.    Avoid obesity by keeping to a healthy diet
4.    Limit alcohol consumption
5.    Avoid cigarette smoke. If you smoke, seek help to stop now.
6.    Learn to recognise the warning signs of stroke and act FAST

F.A.S.T is an easy way to remember and recognise the signs of stroke:

• Face – Has the person’s mouth drooped?
• Arms – Can they lift both arms?
• Speech – Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you?
• Time – Time is critical. If you see any of these signs, call 000 now

National Stroke Foundation CEO Erin Lalor says that by following these steps the rate and severity of stroke can be dramatically reduced.

“Stroke doesn’t discriminate, anyone can be affected,” Dr Lalor says.

“But everyone, no matter who they are, can lessen their chance of stroke, disability and death by understanding and then reducing their own risk of stroke.”

We encourage all mebers of the stroke community to hold an activity during Stroke Week. www.strokefoundation.com.au

Article by Michael Slezak in Neurology Update

Despite limited funding, the National Stroke Foundation’s public awareness campaigns have successfully changed behaviours, potentially saving thousands of lives, an independent study published in Stroke finds.

Examining the monthly proportions of ambulance dispatches in Melbourne that were designated for strokes between 1999 and 2010, researchers found the proportion increased since 2004 when the NSF began its public awareness campaign. The increase became significant since the ‘call an ambulance’ message was added to the campaign in 2007.

Over the period of the study, the proportion increased from 2.1% of dispatches to 2.95%. Prior to the start of the campaign, the highest proportion of dispatches for stroke was in winter, the wellknown peak season for stroke. After the campaign started, the highest proportion moved to spring, following the yearly campaign push during National Stroke Week.

The program still relies heavily on individual donations and pro-bono advertising, even in Victoria where the state government provides the most funding of any state ($200,000 to $300,000 annually).

“Given the level of funding the program received we were surprised just how big an impact the program had on calls to ambulance,” said lead author Janet Bray, senior research fellow at Ambulance Victoria.

“Campaigns like this do appear to be successful at directing appropriate behaviour,” she said.

Pleased with the findings, Dr Bruce Bolam, divisional director of prevention and awareness at the NSF, said the Foundation was already planning on running the FAST (Face, Arm, Speech, Time) message year-round and focussing on a new message during National Stroke Week.

During this spring’s stroke week the message was going to be “one in six”, he said. “It’s saying one in six people world-wide will experience a stroke at some time in their lifetime, but most of those strokes are preventable… People need to know more about it and how to prevent it.”

Dr Bolam said the study results provided a good case for the program to receive more consistent government funding around the country.

Emma Gee works at the NSF as a Project Officer in the stroke support area. Emma survived a stroke at 24 years of age, this experience, along with her career knowledge as an Occupational Therapist enables Emma to offer a candid and honest view on what it is like for those affected by stroke and how the new StrokeConnect online forum can help.

I understand the support stroke survivors and carers receive following a stroke can assist in the road to recovery. Following my own experience, I am passionate about enhancing stroke support and am committed to growing and fostering a supportive online community with a new NSF initiative called StrokeConnect.

StrokeConnect is an online forum, that provides a safe place to build connections with others who have a similar experience, pose questions, find answers, stimulate new discussions, get information and share stories. It enables people to meet others affected by stroke without having to leave their home.

Throughout my own recovery I’ve had amazing support, but realised it can still be tough.

The prospect of other stroke survivors tackling this journey on their own really scares me. I am so pleased to be part of the StrokeConnect initiative, as it enables everyone involved to feel they have support from others who understand their situation.

StrokeConnect offers support to anyone affected by the aftermath of stroke. For example, I think people underestimate how huge a carer’s role is in any stroke survivors journey, without them we’d be so lost, but StrokeConnect is designed to support them too.

It’s great to hear that other people are dealing with the same problem, just to hop online and vent about a problem and for someone at the other end to really understand.  The fact that we can access this support without getting out of our pjs, facing the bad weather and relying on the support of another to take you out, makes it so much easier for all.

Our aim is that StrokeConnect continues to grow and becomes a valuable and essential element of peer support for stroke survivors, carers and others impacted by stroke.

StrokeConnect can reduce the impact stroke has on so many lives purely by enabling people to share and connect.

I strongly encourage anyone touched by stroke to get online, register and be part of the discussion.

StrokeConnect online can be viewed at http://www.strokefoundation.com.au/strokeconnect/

Last year famous musician and conductor Tommy Tycho suffered a stroke.

Following a fall at home, Tommy was admitted to hospital where a scan revealed he had suffered a massive aneurysm.

He was then taken to the operating theatre where the doctor inserted a drain into his head and saved his life.

Before his stroke, Tommy was highly successful in his career. His credits include thousands of orchestrations, composing and arranging over 1,500 pieces of music for movies and television, including the Medal Ceremony music for the 2000 Sydney Olympics and the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games, to name only a few.

Suffering from a stroke has temporarily put an end to his highly successful career.

Throughout his recovery he has had many breakthroughs, including the recovery of speech from a whisper to normal volume, being able to eat solid food and drink proper liquid, being able to sit up in my wheelchair, but most important of all he has started to write music again and play the piano.

After three months of rehab he was moved to a nursing home as he has paralysis on his left side and needs 24 hour care.

This is perhaps the biggest effect of the stroke on Tommy’s life as he is now living without his wife Eve, after 59 years of a wonderful marriage.

Tommy credits the exceptional work of staff at his nursing home, support of his therapists and his determination to his successful road to recovery.

He aims to one day become totally mobile and stand once again on the podium in front of his orchestra and conduct a two hour concert.

Tommy’s story is a powerful demonstration of what is possible in recovery after a stroke.

The National Stroke Foundation works tirelessly to ensure all people affected by stroke have the best outcomes possible.

This festive season we thank you for your support for this important work during a very difficult year and any donation you can make to the NSF Christmas Appeal is greatly appreciated.

You are an important person helping us achieve our life saving goals.

To make a contribution, please visit the donate page on our website.

Here at the NSF we are so thrilled that the FAST message is getting out there. After all the hard work spreading the FAST message during National Stroke Week last week, it is heart warming to hear the stories of people who have had better recovery outcomes after their strokes because they recognised the signs and acted FAST.

Our tea room walls are now full of articles about FAST that appeared in papers across the country for National Stroke Week. Each individual story acts as a reminder for why we do the work we do; to stop stroke, save lives and end suffering.

Knowing the signs of stroke empowers you to save the life of someone having a stroke. Click here to forward the FAST wallet card to friends.

National Stroke Week 2012 runs from September 10 - 16.

1 in 6 people will have a stroke – behind these numbers are real lives. Strokes can happen to anyone so it is important to know your stroke risk. We are encouraging all Australians to remember this statistic and understand the six steps to work towards preventing stroke. For more National Stroke Week 2012 For more about FAST the signs of stroke click here.

National Stroke Week has hit the nation this week - with our new FAST campaign hitting your screens, airwaves and even taking to the streets! We kicked off the week with launches in Victoria, Western Australia and Tasmania.

Celebrating the FAST message at the WA launch in Perth

We need to get everybody to learn the signs of stroke and be able to perform the FAST test. Would you know what a stroke looks like? Look out for the feature skit from the VIC launch to be posted soon!

The FAST Challenge was held in Launceston today, where staff of the Launceston General Hospital and Launceston Aquatic helped people understand that by acting FAST they can also save lives.

If you are in Perth, make sure you head down to the Murray St. Mall to visit our FAST stall this Friday all day.

The team here at the NSF has been really busy and super keen to get the message across to the public - Think FAST Act FAST! Staff members colonised the main Melbourne train stations during morning rush hours this week handing out FAST wallet cards to commuters. It was a fantastic sight to see so many people looking down at their cards at the new FAST images and learning the signs of stroke amidst their early morning rush. We hope that arming people with this knowledge will help them to save lives.

FAST wallet card

Have a look at our new FAST campaign TV advertisement on our YouTube channel or Facebook page. We have had really positive feedback so far, with people saying that the images clearly deliver the FAST message. What do you think?