Related websites
Health Navigator
The Health Navigator NZ website helps you find reliable and trustworthy health information and self-help resources.
Quitline
You don’t have to quit alone. Call Quitline on 0800 778 778.
Smokestop
An online programme for people who like using txt, email and the internet.
Aukati KaiPaipa
Maori face-to-face programme.
Advice on healthy eating and recipes.
- Know Your Numbers – use this Heart Foundation website to calculate your risk of heart attack or stroke.
Stroke
If you have a stroke, the blood supply to your brain is cut off. After a few minutes without oxygen and food from your blood, your brain begins to suffer damage.
Depending on the type of stroke, you can be permanently disabled – but many people recover well.
If you have high blood pressure and smoke, you’re at a much greater risk of having a stroke.
The Stroke Foundation website has detailed information on:
It has stories of people who’ve recovered from stroke and resources for stroke sufferers and their families.
What to do if someone is having a stroke
If you think you or someone else is suffering a stroke, call 111 immediately.
The sooner treatment is received, the less damage a stroke will cause.
The Stroke Foundation suggests a FAST check.
Face: is one side of the smile droopy?
Arms: raise both arms – is one side weak?
Speech: is it slurred or are words jumbled?
Time: act fast and call 111!
Mini-strokes – or TIAs
A transient ischaemic attack (TIA) – also called a ‘mini-stroke’ – has similar symptoms to a stroke. However, most people fully recover within a few minutes or an hour.
If you think you’ve had a TIA, see a doctor. They can be a warning that a stroke will follow.
You can read more about TIAs on the Stroke Foundation website:
The Ministry of Health is grateful to The Stroke Foundation for permission to link to its website and to use the FAST check image.
Resources
Reducing Your Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke
Available from the New Zealand Guidelines Group.
Eating for Healthy Adult New Zealanders
Available on HealthEd.
Be Active Every Day
Available on HealthEd.
Healthy Weight for Adults
Available on HealthEd.
The Quit Book
Available on HealthEd.
Page last updated: 30 March 2012
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