During Stroke Awareness week 4-10 Sept
Northside Allied Health business owner and exercise physiologist, Liz Dawson, knows a thing or two about the signs of stroke, but when she fell victim, it caught her unawares. At age 32, Liz was as fit as a fiddle, recently completing an Iron Women and running two exercise focused businesses; stroke was the last thing she expected to be served.
“Even though I was well educated as an exercise physiologists in the signs of stroke, when it happened I thought, no way, how could it be.
I thought I was immune as I was in good health but unfortunately stroke doesn’t discriminate and what I’ve learned from the experience, is the importance of acting quickly if you show any of the signs” said Liz.
Now rehabilitated and recently entering motherhood, Liz is passionate about educating people about the signs of stroke and incorporates a lot of education into the stroke rehabilitation program, run from her business Northside Allied Health.
Northside Allied Health client, John Daamen, suffered a stroke in August 2016 and due to his condition must exercise under the monitored care of his exercise physiologist, Tim French.
John was unaware of the signs of stroke when he suffered one but fortunately his wife recognised the symptoms as ones of stroke and called for emergency assistance.
John’s words of advice are; “It’s so important to be beware of how you are feeling, especially if you have any feelings of numbness in your arms or legs”.
“Keep talking to your family and friends when you don’t feel well, even if it’s just feeling ‘off’ and know your signs of stroke. I didn’t but thankfully my wife did!”.
Stroke symptoms include numbness in arms or legs, slurred speech or a drooped face. If you experience any of these symptoms, call 000.