Tackling Tasmanias stroke burden
September 13, 2018
Steps are well underway to improve stroke care in Tasmania, with the State Government partnering with Stroke Foundation to provide a $440,000 boost to stroke awareness, treatment and support in the state.
Minister for Health the Hon. Michael Ferguson officially launched Tasmania’s Better plan for stroke at a National Stroke Week celebration in Hobart today.
Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Sharon McGowan said Tasmania had the highest incidence of stoke per capita in the country and thanked the State Government for joining the charity in its commitment to preventing, treating and beating stroke.
“This year alone, it is estimated Tasmanians will experience almost 1500 strokes and this number is expected to more than double to almost 3,400 by 2050,’’ Ms McGowan said.
“We must empower the community to prevent stroke and ensure those who do have a stroke are provided with the best possible treatment, care and support.
“Tasmanians need and deserve every opportunity to live well after stroke.”
The Tasmanian Government has partnered with Stroke Foundation to:
• Establish a “Community of Practice” to improve stroke treatment and care across the state.
• Provide StOP (Stroke Outreach Program) to ensure stroke survivors and their families are connected with the services and information they need to prevent secondary stroke and live well.
• Expand F.A.S.T community education to raise awareness of the most common signs of stroke.
Ms McGowan said it was fitting these new programs were launched as part of National Stroke Week celebrations.
“This National Stroke Week, we have been spreading the message that every step counts towards a healthy life and these programs were not only steps but leaps forward in ensuring a healthy life for more Tasmanians,’’ she said.
“Stroke can strike anyone at any time, but it can be prevented, and with the right treatment and support at the right time many people can recover from stroke.
“These programs will go a long way to improve the state of stroke in Tasmania.”
This funding boost will enable Stroke Foundation to expand on its existing State Government funded F.A.S.T. awareness and hospital liaison work.
Minister Ferguson joined Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Sharon McGowan and local stroke survivor and Stroke Foundation Consumer Council Member Nic Stephen in playing bocce in celebration of National Stroke Week. National Stroke Week, ran from September 3-9, but activities are held throughout the month.
National Stroke Week is the Stroke Foundation’s annual stroke awareness campaign. This year, Stroke Foundation is encouraging Australians to discover how easy it is to fit healthy habits into their day and do their part to prevent stroke.
It’s estimated more than 80 percent of strokes can be prevented simply by managing risk factors and living a healthy lifestyle. There are some risk factors for stroke which can’t be prevented like age, family history and prior stroke. If you’re male, your risk is also higher.
Stroke Foundation’s tops for taking charge of your own health:
• Eat well.
• Stay active.
• Be smoke free.
• Moderate alcohol intake.
• Visit your doctor for a health check to help manage blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and atrial fibrillation (irregular heart beat).
Minister for Health the Hon. Michael Ferguson officially launched Tasmania’s Better plan for stroke at a National Stroke Week celebration in Hobart today.
Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Sharon McGowan said Tasmania had the highest incidence of stoke per capita in the country and thanked the State Government for joining the charity in its commitment to preventing, treating and beating stroke.
“This year alone, it is estimated Tasmanians will experience almost 1500 strokes and this number is expected to more than double to almost 3,400 by 2050,’’ Ms McGowan said.
“We must empower the community to prevent stroke and ensure those who do have a stroke are provided with the best possible treatment, care and support.
“Tasmanians need and deserve every opportunity to live well after stroke.”
The Tasmanian Government has partnered with Stroke Foundation to:
• Establish a “Community of Practice” to improve stroke treatment and care across the state.
• Provide StOP (Stroke Outreach Program) to ensure stroke survivors and their families are connected with the services and information they need to prevent secondary stroke and live well.
• Expand F.A.S.T community education to raise awareness of the most common signs of stroke.
Ms McGowan said it was fitting these new programs were launched as part of National Stroke Week celebrations.
“This National Stroke Week, we have been spreading the message that every step counts towards a healthy life and these programs were not only steps but leaps forward in ensuring a healthy life for more Tasmanians,’’ she said.
“Stroke can strike anyone at any time, but it can be prevented, and with the right treatment and support at the right time many people can recover from stroke.
“These programs will go a long way to improve the state of stroke in Tasmania.”
This funding boost will enable Stroke Foundation to expand on its existing State Government funded F.A.S.T. awareness and hospital liaison work.
Minister Ferguson joined Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Sharon McGowan and local stroke survivor and Stroke Foundation Consumer Council Member Nic Stephen in playing bocce in celebration of National Stroke Week. National Stroke Week, ran from September 3-9, but activities are held throughout the month.
National Stroke Week is the Stroke Foundation’s annual stroke awareness campaign. This year, Stroke Foundation is encouraging Australians to discover how easy it is to fit healthy habits into their day and do their part to prevent stroke.
It’s estimated more than 80 percent of strokes can be prevented simply by managing risk factors and living a healthy lifestyle. There are some risk factors for stroke which can’t be prevented like age, family history and prior stroke. If you’re male, your risk is also higher.
Stroke Foundation’s tops for taking charge of your own health:
• Eat well.
• Stay active.
• Be smoke free.
• Moderate alcohol intake.
• Visit your doctor for a health check to help manage blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and atrial fibrillation (irregular heart beat).