Ashley Murray with Chairman Jo McKechnie and President David Proposch after a most informative presentation
 Signs of Stroke and Prevention
     Chairman Jo introduced Ashley Murray saying it was a great pleasure to see a young nurse complete her studies, work across several states and return to West Gippsland Hospital Warragul to take on such an important job.
Ashley gave a very interesting and thought provoking presentation on the prevention, treatment and beating of strokes. She described the difference between an Ischaemic (clot) and Haemargic (bleed) stroke and said that although every stroke was different, the impact and devastation on the person and family was tremendous.
Ashley made the following points:
Stroke kills more women than breast cancer and more men than prostate cancer.
Reduce your risk.
If you have high blood pressure, know it and take medication, reduce salt intake and have a balanced diet.
Have 30 minutes daily physical activity
Quit smoking              
If over 45 years old see a G.P. and have a check up
Recognise
Most people have heard of the following anagram          F A S T
F face droop, tongue out
A arms can person lift both arms
S speech slurred
T time call 000 now!!
How to get involved
Give time
Raise funds
Speak up
Stay informed
The Warragul Hospital now has a neurologist available by phone 24/7 so doctors can discuss the patient’s CT scans etc. with the neurologist in Melbourne who will advise on treatment.
Stroke Line 1800 787 653
Jo thanked Ashley for her very informative talk and commented on her obvious passion for her job. Ashley’s talk and PowerPoint presentation were extremely well received and Rotarians were discussing it at length after the meeting finished.
     A stroke is always a medical emergency. The longer a stroke remains untreated, the greater the chance of stroke related brain damage.      Emergency medical treatment soon after symptoms begin, improves the chance of survival and successful rehabilitation.