This week is National Stroke Week, and the Stroke Foundation is encouraging Australians to know the signs of stroke so that they can save a life.

Injury to an area of your brain from stroke can impact how you think, behave, talk, see, touch and move your body. Unfortunately, stroke can happen to anyone at any age, not just our older people.

Stroke is one of the biggest causes of death and a leading cause of disability in Australia, but more than 80% of strokes can be prevented, according to the Stroke Foundation.

From the 4^th to 10^th August, the Stroke Foundation is raising awareness and encouraging Australians to use the F.A.S.T. test as an easy way to remember the most common signs of stroke.

Using the F.A.S.T. test involves asking these simple questions:

• Face Check their face. Has their mouth drooped?
• Arms Can they lift both arms?
• Speech Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you?
• Time Is critical. If you see any of these signs call 000 straight away.

During this week, the Stroke Foundation are stressing the fact that “a stroke is always a medical emergency. The longer a stroke remains untreated, the greater the chance of stroke-related brain damage.”

To protect yourself and your loved ones, know the common signs of stroke, think F.A.S.T.

At Warrigal, we offer expert care at our residential care homes, and our care staff are trained in not only knowing the signs of stroke but also supporting older people who have experienced stroke at some point in their lives.

For more information about National Stroke Week, visit the Stroke Foundation’s website here.

If you or someone else experiences the signs of stroke, no matter how long they last, call 000 immediately.