Don't Be Struck by Stroke: The FAST Guide for Aussies

G'day, mates!

Let's have a real chat about something serious but incredibly important: stroke. In Australia, a stroke occurs every 19 minutes. That’s a staggering number, and it’s a big reason why every single one of us needs to be 'stroke smart'.

A stroke happens when the blood supply to part of your brain is cut off. Brain cells start to die, and quick. The key takeaway here is this: time is brain. The faster someone gets help, the better their chance of survival and a good recovery.

So, how do you spot one? Well, in Australia, we use a simple, life-saving acronym called F.A.S.T. It's easy to remember and could make all the difference.

F is for Face

Ask them to smile. Is one side of their face drooping? Does one side feel numb? If so, that's a serious warning sign. A stroke can weaken the muscles on one side of the face, making it difficult to control.

A is for Arms

Ask them to raise both arms. Are they able to lift both arms equally? Does one arm drift downwards or feel weak? If one arm is dropping or can't be raised, it's a huge red flag. This weakness is a common symptom of a stroke.

S is for Speech

Ask them to say a simple sentence. Is their speech slurred? Are they having trouble talking? Are they hard to understand? If their speech sounds garbled or jumbled, it's a strong indicator.

T is for Time

This is the most critical part. If you see any of these signs, don't wait. Do not tell them to "she'll be right." Every minute counts.

Call Triple Zero (000) straight away.

Tell the operator you suspect a stroke, and they will get an ambulance to you as fast as possible. The paramedics are trained to start treatment on the way to the hospital, and the sooner they get to a stroke unit, the better the outcome.

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What's Next?

Recognising the FAST signs is the first and most crucial step. But let's also talk about prevention. While we can't change all risk factors, we can certainly manage many of them. Simple things like:

• Maintaining a healthy diet.

• Getting regular exercise.

• Managing your blood pressure.

• Not smoking.

These lifestyle choices can significantly reduce your risk of having a stroke.

Remember, a stroke can happen to anyone, at any age. Be a stroke hero and learn the FAST signs. Share this information with your family and friends. It's a simple lesson that could save a life.

For more information and support, head over to the Stroke Foundation Australia website.