Celebrating Precious Moments During National Stroke Week 2024

National Stroke Week 2024 is more than just a time of awareness—it’s a celebration of the precious moments that you or your loved ones can continue to enjoy during and after recovery. Stroke doesn’t just change lives in an instant; it reminds us of the value of every single moment we have. This week, we’re focusing on helping others keep enjoying these moments by spreading a simple yet powerful message: the importance of knowing the F.A.S.T. signs of stroke.

Help Others Enjoy Their Moments: Share the F.A.S.T. Message

One of the most effective ways to ensure that you, your family, and your friends can continue to experience these moments is by sharing the F.A.S.T. signs of stroke. If you or someone you know experiences any signs of a stroke, even if they only last for a short time, it’s crucial to call triple zero (000) immediately.

Think F.A.S.T. to Save a Life

How do you know if someone is having a stroke? The Stroke Foundation recommends the F.A.S.T. test as a quick and easy way to remember the most common signs. When you think F.A.S.T., you can act quickly to potentially save a life:

• 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. If you see any of these signs, call 000 immediately.

Recognising Other Signs of Stroke

While facial weakness, arm weakness, and difficulty with speech are the most common signs, they aren’t the only ones. A stroke can manifest in various ways, so it’s important to be aware of other potential symptoms, which may appear alone or in combination:

• Weakness, numbness, or paralysis of the face, arm, or leg on one or both sides of the body
• Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
• Dizziness, loss of balance, or an unexplained fall
• Loss of vision, sudden blurring, or decreased vision in one or both eyes
• Severe, abrupt headache or an unexplained change in headache patterns
• Difficulty swallowing

Sometimes, these signs might disappear after a few minutes, which could indicate a Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA). A TIA is often a warning sign of a potential stroke and presents an opportunity to take preventive action. Remember, stroke can lead to serious disability or death, so taking immediate action is crucial.

To learn more about how you can recognise the signs of a stroke and help spread awareness during National Stroke Week 2024, visit the Stroke Foundation Australia. Together, we can help ensure that everyone has the chance to enjoy the precious moments that life offers.