Western suburbs residents are being urged to be more aware of strokes this year by making time to attend a StrokeSafe education talk.
Melton resident Antonio Iannella, 45, became one of the National Stroke Foundation’s StrokeSafe ambassadors after having a stroke seven years ago, aged just 38, while on holiday in Vietnam.
“It struck me out of the blue,” he said. “I was in a bad way.
“I couldn’t hear, see or speak and I was in hospital for a while before they flew me home to Australia.”
It was later discovered that Mr Iannella had suffered a brain hemorrhage caused by a burst vein.
“What people don’t know is that there are so many different types of stroke,” he said.
“I was born with an arterial vein malformation, which caused my stroke, but there are so many other factors that could cause someone to have a stroke.”
He said his experience made “a world of difference” to being a StrokeSafe ambassador.
“I was touched by stroke personally, so volunteering in this role is something that’s extremely important to me,” he said.
“Sadly, too many people don’t understand what a stroke is and what they can do to potentially avoid having one.
“If we just eat healthy foods and go for a walk once in awhile, it improves our health so much. It’s just the little things that we can change to live a long and healthy life.
“Inviting a StrokeSafe speaker to talk to your community group is a great way to learn lifesaving stroke prevention and awareness messages and, most importantly, how to recognise the signs of stroke.”
National Stroke Foundation spokeswoman Mary Orgill said StrokeSafe ambassadors played a key role in educating people about what a stroke is and actions they can take to prevent it.
“StrokeSafe education talks aim to ensure people understand that a stroke is a medical emergency, with fast treatment vital to survival and recovery,” Ms Orgill said.
“Ambassadors go out and talk to a range of community groups, organisations and social groups about stroke prevention and the need to get immediate treatment at the first sign of a stroke.”
Ms Orgill said there were more than 240 strokes reported among western suburbs residents last year, but many people would not be able to recognise a stroke, even if it was happening right in front of them.
“I encourage community groups to book a StrokeSafe Education talk today,” she said. “You could save someone’s life.”
Contact 1300 194 196 to book a StrokeSafe talk for your community group.
More details: www.strokefoundation.com.au
