Ms Schmidt is from the Stroke Foundation and said strokes are a major cause of death and can affect people of working age as well as the elderly.

Ms Schmidt is a ‘stroke safe ambassador’ and informed the group and give advice on how to avoid strokes or to minimise damage to your brain if one does occur.

Strokes are of two types, either a blood clot that stops or reduces blood flow to the brain, or an internal haemorrhage that damages the brain. Both types can be extremely serious even causing death.

She warned that some medications increase blood thinning and can make it worse if you are bleeding internally in the brain.

Prompt medical attention can minimise brain damage. A TIA, (Transient Ischaemic Attack), perhaps causing loss of consciousness, is virtually a mini stroke and should be taken as a strong warning when prompt medical attention should be obtained.

Ms Schmidt said that 80 per cent of strokes are preventable and some of the things you can do to minimise the risk are control your blood pressure, have a balanced diet and reduce salt intake, do not smoke, have regular exercise and if you are over 45, have a medical check-up regularly.

Risk factors include gender, race, age, family history, existing medical condition and any history of TIAs.

A stroke affects different parts of the brain and it is important to diagnose early if the person has or is having a stroke. Fortunately there is a simple test that anyone can do to indicate if a person is having or had a stroke. The ‘magic’ test is F.A.S.T.

F is for face, does the face look normal or is there some sagging on one side?

A is for arms, can the person raise both arms equally?

S is for speech, can the person talk properly?

T is for time and tongue. Can the person poke out the tongue normally and Time is the need to getting the person to the hospital quickly. It may be better for someone to be driven to the hospital rather than wait for an ambulance. This is debatable because the ambulance officers can give some vital treatment during the trip to the hospital.

Ms Schmidt responded to many questions from members and was warmly thanked for her presentation by president Bill Medaris.

AiIR is a group representing the interests of retirees who fully or partly fund their own retirement with savings including superannuation. New members and guests are always welcome to the meetings where there is always an interesting speaker to entertain and inform.

AIR meets on the second Tuesday of the month at 10am at the Bomaderry Bowling Club and everyone is invited to the next meeting on March 14.

For further information, contact secretary Peter Moate on 4448 7788, or president Bill Medaris on 4443 0189.