Helping to spot stroke warning signs

Continued from page 1 ers experience a stroke every year,” Stroke Foundation CEO Jo Lambert says.

The Stroke Foundation of New Zealand partnered with Project Managers, The Building Intelligence Group (TBIG), to develop Health 15 to help construction workers spot the early warning signs of stroke and ease an economic burden which costs the country $1.1 billion per year.

At the Wainuiomata High School launch, which began at 9:30am, guests, including the Naylor Love construction team and TBIG, received a full demonstration of the Health15 programme.

“Long-term sick leave taken by a single employee can cost a company up to $1,000 a year, with an estimated economic price tag of $1.79 billion per year nationwide.

“The impact on peoples’ lives is immeasurable.

“Stroke can rob you of your independence – and your ability to work – in an instant. That’s why prevention is so important.

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They also explored one of the Stroke Foundation’s mobile testing vans, and received a free blood pressure check.

Construction workers often work long hours, carrying out physically demanding mahi at a fast pace. This can make it hard to prioritise a healthy lifestyle or take the time to attend important health appointments.

“We know workers have busy lives, but the earlier they spot the signs of stroke, the better.

“Health15 makes it easy for workers to have their blood pressure checked by coming directly to their work sites and paying for any fees they incur in immediate follow-up medical appointments.”

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It’s an industry where the “she’ll be alright” attitude is common, and the foundations for future long-term health conditions are laid.

Following a successful pilot event in November, 77% of guests said they learnt something new from Health15, 83% planned to make lifestyle changes based on what they learnt, and 4% had to seek immediate follow-up medical advice because of the results of their screening.

“Around 9,500 New Zealand-

“We are delighted to partner with the Stroke Foundation of New Zealand to bring this exciting new health initiative to life for construction workers across New Zealand,” TBIG project director Jamie Summers says.

“Projects are about people. It’s a core value we’ve maintained as project managers for more 30 years.

“With national coverage, TBIG is well placed to support this amazing initiative.

“As a stroke survivor with over 25-years’ experience in construction, I know the risks that come with carrying out physically demanding work in a high stress environment, and how important it is to look after your health and wellbeing.

“The good news is 75% of strokes are preventable, which is why Health15 is so important.

“We have a chance to save lives by reaching workers who wouldn’t usually have time to access this vital health screening,” Mr Summers says.