2021 Stroke Week – A Survivor’s Take….

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On 2 August 2021 Stroke Week commences a weeklong schedule of activities that focus on Stroke and amongst many things, its impact on the Australian Community.

These activities [ in part] will include the social, medical, and economic impacts of Stroke in Australia.

I am taking this opportunity of saying my bit as a Stroke Survivor with the knowledge that I have had the priveledge of acquiring over the past five years since I sustained my Left Lacunar Stroke.

Let’s take a moment to reflect of stroke and its impact on the Australian Community –

• An Australian will have a stroke every 19 minutes
• In 2020, there were an estimated 445,000 survivors of stroke compared to 420,000 survivors of stroke in 2012.
• By 2050, there will be an estimated 819,900 survivors of stroke: incident cases are expected to increase to 50,500 and there will be an estimated 19,800 deaths.
• 8,703 people died from stroke in 2020.
• Strokes cost Australia $6.21 m in 2020.

Source-The economic impact of stroke in Australia,2020- Deloitte Access Economics.

From my experience I have become aware that there are hundreds of clinicians and stroke survivors working tirelessly and often silently to find or refine the treatment of strokes.

There are nurses, doctor, physios OTS and many others who are blessed with the skills and the patience of Job when assisting the survivors on their rehab journey- they quietly go about their business in rehab gyms, universities in a calm and quiet manner.

These are some of the people to whom we should pay tribute to during this Stroke Week.

For 7 days they will replace the Cheese Makers \{Python devotees will understand this reference\}.

In a world currently dominated by a newly identified virus, the clang of truths and half-truths; strident political jousting all designed to grab top of mind in the public arena, please remember these people I have mentioned earlier each of them are worthy of your acclaim and respect.

One benefit that was a result of my stroke was that I have met and have had and am having the priveledge to work with a band of special people, whose skills are exemplary and whose dedication to the stroke industry is mind blowing.

I am in awe of these people, both here and overseas, I have mentioned some of their names many times in my written musings, so they know whom I are referring to.

I urge all stroke survivors to spend a quiet moment to reflect on these peoples’ efforts.

My Final Message to all readers of this message in 2021 Stroke Week is

Know Your Numbers.

Brian A Beh-Stroke Survivor

Winner “Improving Life After Stroke “Award.

2021 Stoke Foundation of Australia national Awards.