National Stroke Week 2021

More than 100,000 Tasmanians are living with high blood pressure, putting them at serious risk of a stroke and many don’t even know it.

Since the COVID-19 outbreak, there have been fewer people calling triple zero and going to hospital at the first signs of a stroke. Due to this, people are relying on our F.A.S.T. heroes to save lives by recognising the signs of stroke (Face, Arms, Speech and Time).

Anyone can keep an eye out for these symptoms and save the life of a loved one, a colleague, a stranger or even yourself by understanding the F.A.S.T message and calling an ambulance straight away if you suspect a stroke.

Signs of a stroke:

Face – check their face. Has their mouth drooped?
Arms – can they lift both arms?
Speech – is their speech slurred? Do they understand you?
Time – time is critical.

According to the Stroke Foundation, a stroke attacks the brain when it doesn’t get the blood it needs. Up to 1.9 million cells may die every minute a brain is without sufficient blood.

There are two types of stroke:

Ischaemic stroke – a blood clot or plaque blocks artery
Haemorrhagic stroke – an artery breaks or bursts

Every stoke is different and how it affects the individual. It can affect a person’s body, their emotions, and the way they think. It can cause muscle weakness, and problems with speaking, memory, hearing or vision.

To help spread awareness of this condition, National Stroke Week is running from August 2-8, 2021, which shines a light on the life-changing condition. The Stroke Foundation is encouraging Australians to become familiar with the F.A.S.T message.

For more information, visit www.strokefoundation.or.au

Updates correct as at 2 August 2021.
Authorised by Emily Shepherd, ANMF Tasmanian Branch Secretary

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Member Support Team: The ANMF Tasmanian Branch is 8000 plus members strong! Supporting nurses, midwives, and care workers as the only union in Tasmania employing nurses and care workers to represent members. This is why our Organisers and Member Support Team are uniquely positioned to understand your experiences, represent you in your workplace, and offer industrial advice that’s relevant to you. Please contact our Member Support Team if you need workplace support, would like to discuss any matters or raise a concern. Alternatively, you can send an email outlining your concerns to our team - membersupport@anmftas.org.au. Email is the preferred and fastest way of contacting the team, however if your matter is urgent, please phone (03) 6223 6777 or 1800 001 241 if you are outside of Hobart.

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