Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Working Hard in Cairns

I suddenly realised that I hadn't updated my blog in a while. I have been kept quite busy with finalising all the details from the Fire and Ice Soiree, my day job, running and cycling training, my part-time studies and oh yeah the scientific conference in Cairns.

Before I see you all shaking your heads about combining the words 'conference and Cairns' it's the truth. I attended the 20th Stroke Society of Australasia Annual Scientific Meeting in Cairns last week and it was great. I learnt lots of cool new things like the fact that stroke resulting from a single gene is rare and is more likely to result from a range of genes that for example control blood pressure and cholesterol (important risk factors for developing stroke).

Also the fact that in the community many people are still unaware of the signs and symptoms of stroke. So maybe I can ask my readers what does FAST stand for? Any clues - something to do with stroke? Still not sure? Okay its a way to help people easily recognise the early warning signs of stroke. Specifically:

FACE Check their face. Has their mouth drooped?
ARMS Can they lift both arms?
SPEECH Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you?
TIME Time is critical. If you see any of these signs, call 000 now!

So now we have all learnt something new and potentially something that could save a life!

I also managed to do a couple of runs in Cairns, increasing my level of physical activity and thereby reducing my risk of stroke! My runs also included a 5km race along the boardwalk where I came third - pretty cool huh. Actually it was quite warm and I was working hard towards the end. Strangely enough while in sunny, warm Cairns I managed to catch a cold which wasn't so fun.

I have now started back into my running routine with a regular tuesday night run with the Gunn Runners just a snappy 5km around Albert Park Lake with a few running friends (well about 40 actually). I also did my laps around Fawkner Park before work - it's actually kind of nice to start the day with a run especially as the sun is rising and the day is unfolding!

1 comment:

  1. I thought the t stood for tongue (can the person stick their tongue out straight or is it crooked)
    so there you go
    Cairns is gorgeous, glad you had a nice time there, and well done on the pdium spot! :)

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