World Stroke Day
Furthermore, the WSO states that the “incidence of stroke increases significantly with age, however, over 60% of strokes happen to people under the age of 70 and 16% happen to those under the age of 50”. What you CAN do to prevent a stroke: 1. Make healthy food choices. 2. Maintain a healthy weight. 3. Be physically active. 4. Limit alcohol use. 5. Stop smoking. 6. Take your prescribed medication (if any)
If someone has a stroke, know the signs and act F.A.S.T. Facial drooping to one side or feeling numb. Arm weakness on one side - ask the person to lift both arms. Is one arm weaker than the other? Does one arm drift downwards? Speech difficulty e.g., slurring words or not making sense - ask the person to repeat a simple sentence like “the sky is blue.” Time to call for an ambulance or get them to a hospital immediately even if the symptoms go away.
Dementia Action Week
The first thing that you may think about dementia is that it’s what old people get as they become older. But did you know that it affects half a million Australians, and this is estimated to double by 2045?
Did you know that there are 4 common forms of dementia? I didn’t. 1. Alzheimer’s disease 2. Vascular dementia 3. Fontotemporal dementia 4. Lewy body disease. Read more to find out the symptoms and how you can reduce your risk of Dementia by taking better care of your body, heart and mind.
Women’s Health Week
Women’s Health Week is a fabulous opportunity to shine a light on women’s health. Day 1 - Check me out. Day 2 - Menopause matters. Day 3 - Pelvic power. Day 4 - Mind health. Day 5 Move and improve. With many resources to read and download. Please make sure that you not only read what’s available but take action for any health issues that you may have avoided for some time.
Incontinence, is it a normal part of aging?
Though it often happens that as we age, our pelvic floor weakens, it's not solely caused by aging.
Incontinence affects 38% of Australian women.
70% of people with urinary leakage do not seek advice and treatment for their problem.
It is estimated that 1.17 million Australians aged 65 years and over living in the community and 128,473 Australians in residential aged care facilities were incontinent.
The good news is, like any muscle in the body, pelvic floor muscles can be trained with regular, targeted exercise. I can show you how.
The Pelvic Floor in men - yes they have one too!
A man’s pelvic floor muscles support his bladder and bowel. The urethra (urine tube) and the anus (back passage) pass through the pelvic floor, and just like women, the pelvic floor must be kept strong to avoid little unforeseen little leaks when laughing, coughing, or sneezing.