Stroke a hot topic for the tropics
May 10, 2018
Cairns man John Vickary is on a mission to raise awareness of stroke and save lives in tropical Far North Queensland.
The StrokeSafe Ambassador will clock up more than 930 kilometres and present nine free StrokeSafe talks between Cooktown and Tully from May 21-25.
John said he was eager to reach out some of the state’s smaller communities, teaching people how to recognise and prevent a stroke.
“This is vital information no matter where you live, but it is particularly pertinent in Far North Queensland,” John said.
“A recent Stroke Foundation report found people in rural and regional areas of Australia were 19 percent more likely to suffer a stroke. They were also likely to suffer poorer outcomes from stroke due to limited access to best-practice treatment and care.
“This is a worrying situation. The best thing locals can do is to look after their health and try to prevent having a stroke.’’
Like so many Queenslanders, John’s life has been touched by stroke on more than one occasion.
“My mother died when I was just 29 years old. She suffered a stroke, without warning, when she was at home alone. Sadly, she didn’t stand a chance,” he said.
“I have also seen the impact of three strokes on a dear friend of mine. While she appears to be okay on the surface, she suffers ‘hidden’ cognitive and emotional issues, which have had an impact on her quality of life.”
Stroke Foundation Queensland State Manager Andrea Sanders said John’s StrokeSafe Regional Roadshow was an important initiative.
“Stroke is largely preventable and it is treatable, but little things can make a big difference in reducing your risk stroke’” she said.
“Monitor and manage your blood pressure to ensure it is not high, don’t smoke, exercise regularly, eat healthily and don’t drink too much alcohol.
“It’s also important to understand the F.A.S.T. signs of stroke and to call 000 immediately because stroke is always a medical emergency.”
John echoed Ms Sanders’ comments, encouraging people in Far North Queensland to make their health a priority.
“Nobody ever died of embarrassment for ringing triple zero for a suspected stroke. Don’t be reluctant to press the panic button – your life may depend on it,” he said.
Stroke kills more men than prostate cancer and more women than breast cancer in Australia and is a leading cause of disability. It can strike at any age. In 2018 Queenslanders are set to experience more than 10,000 strokes. Many of these will be experienced by those living in regional areas.
StrokeSafe Regional Roadshow - Far North Queensland
21 May; Port Douglas, 1.30pm, Port Douglas Space Meeting Room
21 May; Mossman, 6.30pm, Mossman Rotary Club
22 May; Mossman, 10.30am, Mossman Library
22 May; Cooktown, 7pm, Endeavour Lions Club
23 May; Mareeba, 7pm, Mareeba Leagues Club
24 May; Atherton, 10.30am, Atherton Library
24 May; Millaa Millaa, 7pm, CWA Hall
25 May; Tully,10.30am, Tully Library
25 May; Innisfail, 2pm, Community Support Centre
The StrokeSafe Ambassador will clock up more than 930 kilometres and present nine free StrokeSafe talks between Cooktown and Tully from May 21-25.
John said he was eager to reach out some of the state’s smaller communities, teaching people how to recognise and prevent a stroke.
“This is vital information no matter where you live, but it is particularly pertinent in Far North Queensland,” John said.
“A recent Stroke Foundation report found people in rural and regional areas of Australia were 19 percent more likely to suffer a stroke. They were also likely to suffer poorer outcomes from stroke due to limited access to best-practice treatment and care.
“This is a worrying situation. The best thing locals can do is to look after their health and try to prevent having a stroke.’’
Like so many Queenslanders, John’s life has been touched by stroke on more than one occasion.
“My mother died when I was just 29 years old. She suffered a stroke, without warning, when she was at home alone. Sadly, she didn’t stand a chance,” he said.
“I have also seen the impact of three strokes on a dear friend of mine. While she appears to be okay on the surface, she suffers ‘hidden’ cognitive and emotional issues, which have had an impact on her quality of life.”
Stroke Foundation Queensland State Manager Andrea Sanders said John’s StrokeSafe Regional Roadshow was an important initiative.
“Stroke is largely preventable and it is treatable, but little things can make a big difference in reducing your risk stroke’” she said.
“Monitor and manage your blood pressure to ensure it is not high, don’t smoke, exercise regularly, eat healthily and don’t drink too much alcohol.
“It’s also important to understand the F.A.S.T. signs of stroke and to call 000 immediately because stroke is always a medical emergency.”
John echoed Ms Sanders’ comments, encouraging people in Far North Queensland to make their health a priority.
“Nobody ever died of embarrassment for ringing triple zero for a suspected stroke. Don’t be reluctant to press the panic button – your life may depend on it,” he said.
Stroke kills more men than prostate cancer and more women than breast cancer in Australia and is a leading cause of disability. It can strike at any age. In 2018 Queenslanders are set to experience more than 10,000 strokes. Many of these will be experienced by those living in regional areas.
StrokeSafe Regional Roadshow - Far North Queensland
21 May; Port Douglas, 1.30pm, Port Douglas Space Meeting Room
21 May; Mossman, 6.30pm, Mossman Rotary Club
22 May; Mossman, 10.30am, Mossman Library
22 May; Cooktown, 7pm, Endeavour Lions Club
23 May; Mareeba, 7pm, Mareeba Leagues Club
24 May; Atherton, 10.30am, Atherton Library
24 May; Millaa Millaa, 7pm, CWA Hall
25 May; Tully,10.30am, Tully Library
25 May; Innisfail, 2pm, Community Support Centre