Group visits shopping centre
Members of Woy Woy Stroke Recovery Group visited a local shopping centre on September 15, as part of National Stroke Awareness Week.
The group held a display stall in the Deepwater Plaza in Woy Woy to sell Stroke Awareness Week merchandise and provide shoppers with free blood pressure tests from Central Coast Area Health workers.
Local stroke victims Mr John Sheerman, Ms Elsie Menvielle and Ms Dolores Dalla Valle said it was important for the community to become aware of stroke since it was affected more and more people each year.
Ms Dalla Valle said she first came across the Woy Woy Stroke Recovery Group after having a stroke in 2002.
"The group has given me the social support I needed after my stroke and let me get back to living a normal and healthy lifestyle," Ms Dalla Valle said.
"We enjoy regular meetings and outings with other members each month allowing victims and carers to get-together and enjoy each other's company."
Ms Menvielle said the local group has provided tremendous help and assistance after her stroke several years ago.
She encouraged other stroke victims and carers living in the Peninsula community to get in contact with the Woy Woy Stroke Recovery Group on 4341 7177.
Central Coast Area Health neurologist Dr Denis Crimmins said that more than 800 people were treated for stroke last year at Gosford and Wyong hospitals.
"Our growing and ageing population contributes to the high incidence of stroke on the Central Coast but there are positive steps people can take to reduce their risk," Dr Crimmins said.
"High blood pressure is a major risk factor for stroke with many people often unaware that their blood pressure may be elevated."
Clare Graham, 15 Sep 2009
Interviewees: Elsie Menvielle and Dolores Dalla Valle, Woy Woy Stroke Recovery Group
Press release, 14 Sep 2009
Jill Warwicker, Central Coast Area Health