'TALKING HEALTH'

SUNDAY DECEMBER 2nd 2007

UNDERSTANDING STROKE  

from 6PM - 8:00PM (Melbourne time)

Listen Live on AM radio 693 3AW in Melbourne 

 or online via www.3aw.com.au  from anywhere in the world 

It's live talkback so please join us  by calling  (61) 03 9690 0693

or email  me  :  drsally@3aw.com.au 

Every 10 minutes one Australian will suffer a stroke that means during the 2 hour program on the issue 18 families in our country  will be devastated .

Stroke is the single greatest killer and leading cause of disability. It's salient to note that stroke kills more women than breast cancer, yet where is the huge public awareness and support to  raise funds to reduce the havoc caused by Stroke ?

Sadly much of the devastation that is caused by stroke could be reduced or even avoided by people understanding risk factors and recognising early warning signs.

tonight on the program we will be exploring the risks, warning signs and treatments for stroke as well as life after stroke and raising public awareness

My guests include :

Professor Stephen Davis  -  is a neurologist and head of the Stroke Care Unit at the Royal Melbourne Hospital . The unit is involved in patient care and research, and has an international reputation for their work on better understanding stroke treatment

Assoc Prof Jacinta Douglas Acting Head, School of Human Communication Sciences La Trobe University,

Jacinta is representing Speech Pathology Australia which is the peak national body for speech pathologists in Australia. Speech pathologists are specialists who work with people with communication and swallowing difficulties, at all stages of life.

 click HERE to see Speech Pathology Australia's Communication after stroke fact sheet

 Dr Andrew Lowy -  is a specialist physician and pharmacologist who is currently running a trial looking at a new medication  to hopefully reduce the risk of stoke in people with the irregular heart beat condition - Atrial Fibrillation. The medication is a potential alternative to the blood thinning agent , warfarin ,  which is known to have side-effects and drug interactions

for more info in the research trial  click here

for more info on Dr Lowy click here

 if you are interested in more info or  taking part in the trial phone 1800 883 888.

 Dr Erin Lalor is  CEO National Stroke Foundation. She trained as a speech pathologist and completed a  PhD in cognitive neuropsychology and has worked with stroke survivors since completing her studies.

 click here for more info or phone  the STROKE INFO LINE on 1800  787 653

 David Lawson is a stroke survivor . Contrary to the association many peoiple have of stroke and older people. David was only 19 when he suffered  his stroke. It took  months of rehabilitation for him to learn to walk talk and write all over again. These days  he still has some paralysis in his right hand and leg, but is now working full-time in a marketing role and feels that life is good.

  LINKS AND MORE INFO 

STROKE INFO LINE : 1800  787 653

ROYAL MELBOURNE HOSPITAL STROKE CARE UNIT  - click here

NATIONAL STROKE FOUNDATION  ( AUSTRALIA ) click here

NATIONAL ACUTE STROKE MANAGEMENT  GUIDELINES  click here

DR LOWY's MEDICATION TRIAL click here   or call 1800 883 888    

STROKE ASSOCIATION -    Victorian Stroke support group  - click here   or    phone 03 9670 1117

APHASIA - support group for people with language disability caused by brain injury - click here

 F.A.S.T

FAST is an easy way for everyone to recognise the signs of stroke:

Facial weakness - can the person smile? Has their mouth or eye drooped?
Arm weakness - can the person raise both arms?
Speech difficulty - can the person speak clearly and understand what you say?
Time to act fast - seek medical attention immediately

from National Stroke Foundation campaign