Comic book saves the day for kids impacted by stroke
October 21, 2014
The daunting and difficult task of explaining stroke to a child will become easier for families with a new, child-friendly comic book that provides a clear and accurate explanation of the life-threatening and disabling illness.
Developed by the National Stroke Foundation and Boehringer Ingelheim, the ‘Medikidz Explain Stroke’ comic book illustrates the impact of stroke on family members and helps children understand and respond to the difficulties that many stroke survivors face.
According to National Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Dr Erin Lalor, “there is a growing need to support not only those Australians who survive a stroke, but also the family members dealing with the brutal impact of the stroke”.
“Stroke is a complex medical condition that can be particulary difficult for children to understand due to the combination of physical, mental and emotional changes that often impact stroke survivors,” said Dr Lalor.
‘Medikidz Explain Stroke’ is based on the true story of a young man named Josh Goyne, who at the age of nine was faced with the impact of his grandfather’s first stroke.
The comic explores what happens to the body during a stroke and explains the potential impact on movement, speech and memory. Stroke symptoms are also identified using the F.A.S.T. test and treatment options are explained.
Dr Bruce Campbell, Neurologist at the Royal Melbourne Hospital reviewed the ‘Medikidz Explain Stroke’ comic book and agrees that stroke and neurological damage are not easy concepts to explain to family members, especially children.
“While the impact of stroke varies depending on the individual, stroke survivors may confront paralysis, speech problems, impaired vision and emotional difficulties. These changes can have a significant affect on family members,” said Dr Campbell
“Two thirds of people living with stroke suffer a disability that impedes their ability to carry out daily activities unassisted. This impacts the entire family unit,” he said.
“This book provides children and parents alike with a better understanding of stroke, as well as practical advice on how to support loved ones affected by stroke.”
Copies of the ‘Medikidz Explain Stroke’ comic book are available from the National Stroke Foundation. Call StrokeLine 1800 787 653 to order a copy.
Developed by the National Stroke Foundation and Boehringer Ingelheim, the ‘Medikidz Explain Stroke’ comic book illustrates the impact of stroke on family members and helps children understand and respond to the difficulties that many stroke survivors face.
According to National Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Dr Erin Lalor, “there is a growing need to support not only those Australians who survive a stroke, but also the family members dealing with the brutal impact of the stroke”.
“Stroke is a complex medical condition that can be particulary difficult for children to understand due to the combination of physical, mental and emotional changes that often impact stroke survivors,” said Dr Lalor.
‘Medikidz Explain Stroke’ is based on the true story of a young man named Josh Goyne, who at the age of nine was faced with the impact of his grandfather’s first stroke.
The comic explores what happens to the body during a stroke and explains the potential impact on movement, speech and memory. Stroke symptoms are also identified using the F.A.S.T. test and treatment options are explained.
Dr Bruce Campbell, Neurologist at the Royal Melbourne Hospital reviewed the ‘Medikidz Explain Stroke’ comic book and agrees that stroke and neurological damage are not easy concepts to explain to family members, especially children.
“While the impact of stroke varies depending on the individual, stroke survivors may confront paralysis, speech problems, impaired vision and emotional difficulties. These changes can have a significant affect on family members,” said Dr Campbell
“Two thirds of people living with stroke suffer a disability that impedes their ability to carry out daily activities unassisted. This impacts the entire family unit,” he said.
“This book provides children and parents alike with a better understanding of stroke, as well as practical advice on how to support loved ones affected by stroke.”
Copies of the ‘Medikidz Explain Stroke’ comic book are available from the National Stroke Foundation. Call StrokeLine 1800 787 653 to order a copy.