Attention on prevention a welcome boost

Stroke Foundation has welcomed the Northern Territory Government’s plan to drive down rates of chronic illness, including stroke (June 6) – the Northern Territory (NT) Chronic Conditions Prevention and Management Implementation Plan 2017-20.  

Stroke Foundation Northern Territory State Manager Andrea Sanders said chronic disease was recognised as Australia’s biggest health challenge. Ms Sanders said it was encouraging to see the Northern Territory Government’s commitment to implementing evidence-based strategies across the health system to prevent and address chronic disease in the NT.

“Hundreds of strokes will be suffered by Territorians this year, as a result of stroke some will lose their lives and many will be left with an ongoing disability, yet most of these strokes could be prevented,’’ Ms Sanders said.

“Too many Territorians are putting themselves at risk of stroke and other chronic diseases, most without even realising it.

“Up to 80 percent of strokes can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle and looking after yourself. This includes managing blood pressure and cholesterol, healthy eating, staying active, keeping alcohol intake to a minimum and not smoking.” 

In particular, Stroke Foundation welcomed the increased focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in regional and rural NT.

“Stroke is devastating our communities, regional and rural Territorians are bearing the brunt of this burden being at greater risk of stroke and also less likely to have access to best practice stroke treatment we know improves outcomes,’’ Ms Sanders said.

“Reducing stroke and the broader chronic disease burden will save lives and deliver savings to the health system.”

Ms Sanders said she hoped the plan would be backed by investment and include F.A.S.T. community education on the signs of stroke and how strokes can be prevented. 

“Stroke is costing lives and the NT economy millions each year through health costs, carer costs and lost productivity. 

“Why? Because not enough Territorians know about stroke and are empowered to make decisions to prevent it and seek treatment. Stroke can be prevented, it can be treated and it can be beaten, but only if the community knows more about it.” 

Stroke FACTS:

1. 56,000 strokes in Australia annually – one every nine minutes.
2. 475,000 stroke survivors living in the Australian community.
3. Regional Australians 19 percent more likely to have a stroke than their city counterparts.
4. People living in low socio economic areas are more than twice as likely to suffer a stroke and 1.4 times more likely to die as a result of stroke than those living in the highest socioeconomic areas.
5. Aboriginal people are twice as likely to be hospitalised with stroke and 1.4 times more likely to die from stroke as non-indigenous Australians.
6. Around 80 percent of strokes may be prevented.
7. By 2050 without action there will be 132,500 strokes annually – one every four minutes – and 1 million stroke survivors living in the community.