March 26, 2013
Māori stroke rates staying high
The Stroke Foundation is concerned the rate of strokes among Māori is not reducing, and the condition is affecting more younger Māori than other groups.
Chief Executive, Mark Vivian, says factors such as lower smoking rates have brought down stroke incidence in the wider population, but not among Māori.
Māori and their whānau tend to get hit harder, with a longer time needed for recovery and greater levels of disability.
What happens after the hospital is also important, with access to rehabilitation services and continuity with medicines.
“You feel okay, you get back into the old patterns and old rhythms, the medication gets put to the side and you don’t need it anymore. Well actually you do – and it’s really important that you stick with the medication after a stroke to keep your blood pressure, keeping your cholestrol lower – all those things are important,” he says.
Mark Vivian says strokes have more severe economic consequences on families than comparable brain injuries, and that needs to be addressed.
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