The Stroke Foundation of Australia...... Purveyors of Precious Moments

My take on Stroke Week 2022. 8 – 14 August 2022

Stroke Week 2022, the Stroke Foundation of Australia’s main awareness week is designed to raise the awareness of stroke amongst the Australian population

As we approach this time, I felt the need to comment on this week as a supporter of the Stroke Foundation but more importantly as a Stroke Survivor.

I sustained a significant Left Lacunar Stroke in April 2016, spent 4 months in hospital where I gained an insight into the scope of stroke in the Australian community plus, I learned about the accompanying economic, social and people cost of this medical event.

I also became aware of the thousands of dedicated clinicians, medical staff, families, and volunteers who are committed to the treatment and eradication of what is one of Australia’s biggest killers.

I also became aware of the Foundation, its role and amazing group of people who have a passionate zeal to conquer Stroke and its impact on Australian society.

I too have joined that band of people [stroke survivors] who through our ‘Lived Experience” can in our unique way assist clinicians and researchers in overcoming the threat posed by Stroke.

Our Theme-Precious Moments

I am particularly struck by the theme of this year’s Stroke Week-Precious Moments -what a powerful and relevant choice of words!

It should strike a chord with any Stroke Survivor-as it did with me-My stroke came without warning on a winter’s night in 2016 and in a nano-second my life was changed forever.

Did you know [I do now\} –

• 80% of strokes are preventable.

• The most common risk factor for stroke is High Blood Pressure, and it is also the easiest to remedy.

• High BP can be easily managed. Get regular BP checks to be sure you are knowingly at risk

• Learn the F.A.S.T. acronym and make sure someone else in your life also knows what it stands for.

In a stroke, your survival might come down to the person standing next to you – would they know what was happening if your face drooped and your speech slurred? Would they know to ring an ambulance immediately?

My family recognised what was happening to me and swung into action.

With your forgiveness Readers I would like to speak in a metaphorical fashion when further addressing this theme of Precious Moments.

Here goes, stay with me….

I am reminded of a senior bank executive who was interviewing a potential recruit in his office. This was a very senior position, and the executive asked the applicant “What business are we in at this bank”

The applicant thought for a moment and then listed a list of banking products, various loan types, credit facilities and cheque account facilities that were offered by the bank

The executive replied’ Yes that is how we do the business but what we offer to our customers through this range of products is the opportunity for them to achieve their aspirations, life goals and indeed those precious moments that everyone yearns for.”

“Our real business is that we provide them with the ability to achieve their dreams”

Now Thrill Seekers and Fellow Time Travellers that mirror exactly what the Stroke Foundation hopes to achieve!

That though the work of the Foundation Stroke survivors can recover to their maximum post stroke potential; that the community can be forewarned about the risk of stroke and take remedial actions; that clinicians can undertake research to be able to provide the latest in rehabilitation strategies.

In short Precious Moments are not lost- but experienced!

Did you know that-

• The Stroke Foundation’s work is 75% funded by public donations, and 15% from various Governments.

That means it is the survivors of stroke, their families, and carers who do the heavy lifting of providing financial support for the work the Foundation does.

During Stroke Week, spread the word and share the financial load!

Encourage people outside the stroke community to do their part either through fundraising, or just teaching the F.A.S.T. message.

Ask your local MP what they will do to support stroke research and support services.

Do they realise stroke kills more women than breast cancer and more men than prostate cancer every year?

Remind them, stroke is one of Australia’s biggest killers, yet it is the most preventable.

Remember 80% of strokes do not need to happen - imagine how many people would be making Precious Moments if 80% of strokes each year did not happen!

For more information about the Stroke Foundation Stroke Week Activities go to the following site

https://strokefoundation.org.au/what-we-do/prevention-programs/national-stroke-week

Brian A Beh

A Stroke Survivor