NEWS DESK
Mother’s health scare a wake-up call IN 2019 and at just 44, Shelley Christie had a headache and kept dropping what she was holding in her left hand. Not feeling well, she sat on her bed talking at their Mount Martha home to her husband Craig, who was finding it difficult to understand her speech and noticed her face had “dropped”. It was pretty obvious to them by then that something serious was happening. Medical tests followed quickly, and it was confirmed that Shelley had suffered a stroke, something she had not expected to hear and something that has made her look at her own mortality and change her life. While she did have minor blood pressure issues at the time and had suffered DVT from an injury two years earlier, Christie did not think she was a candidate for a stroke. She is now focussed on leading a fit, healthy and active life, spending as much time with her two girls and husband and understanding the triggers and warning signs. A regular at Go Soccer Mums, a community football group, Christie makes sure she eats well and keeps a watchful eye on her health. “A scare like that certainly changes you mentally. You realise how precious health is and it made me take time to rest,” she said. Christie and her daughters are participating in the Stroke Foundation’s annual physical activity fundraiser, Stride4Stroke, that started on 1 November. Stride4Stroke sees participants set their own activity and fundraising
STROKE sufferer Shelley Christie with husband Craig and children Kayla Christie, 14, and Kendal Christie, 12 Picture: Gary Sissons
goal, with the focus on increasing “moving minutes”, whether they are walking, running, dancing, cycling, swimming, or setting a movement target in stroke recovery.
Stroke Foundation CEO Dr Lisa Murphy said more than 3.1 million Australians were not getting any exercise. “Our research tells us as many as
80 per cent of strokes can be prevented by managing blood pressure, cholesterol, eating healthily, being active, not smoking, and only drinking alcohol in moderation,” Murphy said.
“One million strokes a year globally are linked to physical inactivity. We know that 30 minutes of exercise five times a week can reduce your stroke risk by 25 per cent.” A stroke attacks the brain and can change lives in an instant. One Australian will have a stroke every 19 minutes. "Stride4Stroke is a wonderful way to improve our health, feel good and raise money for the Stroke Foundation in the process,” Murphy said. “It’s not too late sign up to Stride4Stroke to stride your own way, wherever you are. Reduce your stroke risk and make a positive difference to the stroke community. “One in four people globally will have a stroke in their lifetime.” Murphy said someone in every household and workplace in Australia should know the F.A.S.T (Face, Arms, Speech and Time) message. “Time is brain. When a stroke strikes, it attacks up to 1.9 million brain cells. Calling triple zero at the first sign of stroke is vital.”
Artist impression
Come and talk to us about the Frankston Hospital redevelopment A lot has been happening on the Frankston Hospital redevelopment site lately. We’re popping-up at two local markets so you can learn more about what’s being delivered. Come by to chat to us about construction, ask a question, see the designs, grab a copy of the latest newsletter, or pick up a kids’ mini colouring book and high-vis vest. ERIC Kings, centre, with (from left Tony Vrzina, acting club president Daryl Cowen, Peter Jones, Ronald Anderson, John Carter and Derek Grout. Picture: Supplied
Club’s founding president turns 100 THE founding president of Balnarring Men’s Probus Club in 1985, Dr Eric Kings, OBE, celebrated his 100th birthday with fellow club members on his birthday 27 October. Kings, who now lives in Somers, enjoyed his day with club members meeting at Balnarring Bowls Club and one of the club’s members, Bernie Poll, a retired pastrycook, baked a beautiful cake for Eric to enjoy. Kings, who grew up in Richmond, had a long
career as a dentist in the city and at least one club member recalls being treated by him. As well as providing a guiding hand to the club, until a few years ago Kings played golf and tennis. He still enjoys a game of snooker with friends. The club meets at 10am on the last Friday of each month at Balnarring Bowls Club and new members are always welcome. Tony Duboudin
Mornington Main Street Market Wednesday 15 November, 9 am – 3 pm Frankston Sunset Twilight Market Friday 17 November, 5 pm – 9 pm These markets are free to attend. Simply come find us at the Frankston Hospital redevelopment stall.
Southern Peninsula News
For more information, scan the QR code or visit vhba.vic.gov.au/ frankstonhospitalredevelopment
8 November 2023
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