'Act Fast' aims to save New Zealand stroke victims

Much of New Zealand is beautiful with friendly, smart people.

So it's good to know that country uses a campaign to increase stroke awareness, a topic that is near and dear to me. And the theme of "Act Fast" is key. Time = brain, as this blog has stated before. Know stroke signs and get help quickly. It could save a life or prevent permanent disability.

The article - from the Otago Daily Times - gives the sobering facts, too, about the how "young" stroke patients can be:

A quarter of New Zealanders who experience a stroke each year are aged under 65, the Stroke Foundation says, before Stroke Awareness Week begins on Monday.

The non-profit organisation is promoting the message "Act Fast" to help everyone spot the symptoms of the third-largest killer in the country and how acting fast can save lives.

More on high blood pressure and strokes

One more Kiwi-related item; it's clear that no matter where you are, know your blood pressure and if needed, act.

High blood pressure rate causes alarm:

The findings did not surprise South Canterbury Stroke Foundation field officer Christine Holling, who said at least five people in South Canterbury had a stroke every week, a third of them potentially avoidable.

"There are 22 a day in New Zealand.

"A third are caused by high blood pressure, which could be avoided if people had their blood pressure checked."

American Heart Association PSA -- Blood Pressure
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More from Kiwis about stroke awareness

A Kiwi suffers a stroke every hour

Director of the National Research Centre for Stroke, Applied Neurosciences and Neurorehabilitation at AUT University, Professor Valery Feigin says the summit will provide direction for the future development in management and prevention of stroke in New Zealand.

“Our stroke rates are four times worse than other developed countries with over 32,000 people suffering a stroke each year,” he says, “and every hour someone in New Zealand is struck by a new stroke.”

The numbers may change, depending on the country. But stroke rates, stroke signs and symptoms can't be ignored.

(Image from the Stroke Foundation of New Zealand)

High blood pressure - a killer

More news from New Zealand, a great and friendly country:

Stroke Foundation shocked at numbers with elevated blood pressure:

To mark Stroke Awareness Week, the Stroke Foundation, St John and Lions offered free blood pressure checks on Saturday 12 September at over 100 supermarkets throughout the country. About 12,000 people had their blood pressure checked.

Dr John Fink, Stroke Foundation Medical Advisor, says 46 percent of the blood pressures reported back to the Stroke Foundation were above normal.

"These were people with blood pressures of 140 systolic or higher and 90 diastolic or higher - in many cases, considerably higher. Blood pressure that is consistently above 140 over 90 is considered to be high. Normal blood pressure is around 120 over 80. In general, the lower the better."

(Photo from U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs)

Survivor brings joy to stroke victims

A few years ago, I had the opportunity to visit New Zealand. The visit was too short, with beautiful countryside and friendly people.

Here's some recent news from New Zealand about a stroke survivor who now heads a club that provides a support system for other survivors.

Survivors often get encouragement from other survivors, and this is one of the purposes of this blog. From The New Zealand Herald:

Barbara Mexted of Whakatane was visiting England with her husband Harold when he had a stroke in 1992.

Once home, they were invited to join the Whakatane Stroke Club. Mrs Mexted's answer was no. But two years later she was not only a member, but also the president.

Every month, Mrs Mexted greets 30 to 40 members at the Whakatane Disability Resource Centre before helping to push wheelchairs and show people to their seats.

"Someone had to take over when the old president left," she said. "I just feel that when you have a stroke you're often left feeling deserted. I do it because I enjoy seeing people enjoying themselves. We share a lot of laughs."

That's a lesson many of us can learn from.