A Drouin dad has turned his stroke story into one of success after losing 11 kilograms, overhauling his lifestyle and writing a cookbook.
Ben MacDonald says he knew very little about strokes before he was told he’d had one in May this year.
“My left wrist started aching, it was as if I had been overusing it. The next day I started bumping into things. I went to Warragul Hospital to be checked out and was transferred to Monash once they realised I’d had a stroke,” Ben said.
“Fortunately, my stroke was mild, I’ve lost coordination in my lefthand, and I experience some fatigue, but the mental and emotional side of my recovery has been the hardest thing to deal with.”
Ben says he was the perfect candidate for stroke, living a sedentary lifestyle, spending most of his days sitting as part of his office job.
As part of Ben’s recovery, he got into the kitchen and began experimenting with foods. One is his favourite meals is pumpkin soup. He says the secret ingredient is curry powder.
“I started walking regularly and seeing a dietician to improve my diet. I’ve now lost 11 kilograms, and my cookbook is in its final stage of production.
“I plan on continuing to change the way I live because I want to be there for my kids, I want to reduce the risk of a secondary stroke,” he said.
“My advice to others is to get off your butt, see your doctor for a general health check and watch what you’re putting into your body.”
Ben is among the 7,000 Victorians to experience a stroke in 2022. Stroke kills more woman than breast cancer and more men than prostate cancer.
Stroke Foundation Executive Director of Marketing John De Rango says Ben’s story highlights the need for more people to receive regular health checks with their GP.
“We know 80 per cent of strokes are preventable through diet and exercise, and it’s great to see that Ben has made these positive changes,” Mr De Rango said.
“Research shows 48 percent of strokes could be prevented if high blood pressure alone was eliminated. Get your blood pressure checked at your local pharmacy or ask you GP for health check, it could save your life.”
