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Towards Prevention and Early Recognition of Stroke: The Australian Context

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 February 2012

Evrim G. March*
Affiliation:
St Vincent Mental Health, Melbourne, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Australia. [email protected]
*
*Address for correspondence: Dr Evrim March, St Vincent Mental Health, 46 Nicholson Street, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia.
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Abstract

Stroke is a preventable disease leading to physical, cognitive and emotional disability. Its high prevalence and poor outcome shifts this disease from the clinical, medical realm to a significant public health problem. This article provides an overview of the problem, and the status of stroke prevention in the Australian context. To achieve this, it first examines the recent Australian surveillance data on stroke, identifying the at-risk groups. It then argues for targeted stroke prevention, assesses relevant policies and programs in the international and Australian contexts, and briefly reviews approaches for increased awareness and recognition of stroke symptoms. The article concludes by emphasising the need to account for the at-risk-groups when developing targeted health promotion campaigns for effective prevention of stroke in Australia.

Type
Articles
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2011

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