A retired nurse with a passion for stroke prevention and awareness is urging Canberrans to book a StrokeSafe talk and save a life in 2023.
Heather Hart has been a Stroke Foundation volunteer for the past six years. In that time, she's educated hundreds of ACT residents and delivered life-saving messages about stroke.
The Chisholm woman has seen firsthand the devastation cause by stroke after working as neuroscience nurse and witnessing the impact of stroke on her best friend Julie aged 51.
"I know the impact stroke can have on a family, it can devastate their livelihood, career, independence and extended families," Heather said.
"During my time as a nurse, I cared for many stroke survivors and I saw the struggles they had to overcome, things many of us take for granted like swallowing, talking, processing, walking."
Heather now visits workplaces, community groups, aged care homes and conferences and provides StrokeSafe talks.
She delivers life-saving information about stroke, stroke prevention and recognition. The Stroke Foundation program, which is supported by the ACT Government, aims to reduce the number of Australians impacted by stroke through education.
"It's alarming how many people don't know the F.A.S.T signs of stroke, and these talks are helping to change that," she said.
"It's very rewarding being able to educate people about stroke. We're only asking them to recognise the signs, act quickly, and tell your friends, because you may just save a life."
Stroke is always a medical emergency. The F.A.S.T. test is a simple way we can all learn and remember the signs of stroke:
- 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 triple zero (000) straight away.
More than 80 percent of strokes can be prevented by managing blood pressure and cholesterol and living a healthy, active lifestyle.
StrokeSafe presentations are available in-person and online. If you would like to request a free presentation please call 1300 194 196 or book online.
The ACT F.A.S.T education program is proudly supported by the ACT Health Directorate.
