Today is World Stroke Day, with new research finding that the number of Australians having a stroke is at an all-time high. World Stroke Day provides an opportunity to raise awareness about stroke prevention, and comes as Stroke Foundation launches its annual fundraising campaign, Stride4Stroke.
More than 1,000 people from across Australia have signed up to take part in Stroke Foundation’s major annual fundraiser throughout the month of November.
Stride4Stroke sees participants set an activity goal to increase their daily moving minutes to lower their own stroke risk, all while fundraising to prevent stroke, fund vital research and support survivors of stroke and their families through their recovery journey.
Make every moving minute matter this November
Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Dr Lisa Murphy said one of the benefits of the challenge is that you can choose the exercise style that best suits your lifestyle.
‘We’re encouraging people to stride their own way, from walking, running, swimming, riding, dancing or undertaking a goal in stroke prevention or recovery. It doesn’t matter how you move, as long as you make a start,’ Dr Murphy said.
‘It’s not too late sign up to Stride4Stroke and stride your own way, wherever you are. Reduce your stroke risk and make a positive difference.
‘This challenge is a wonderful way to improve our health, feel good and raise money for the Stroke Foundation in the process,’ she said.
New research has revealed the number of Australians having a stroke has increased. More than 45,000 Australians experienced a stroke last year, that’s one every 11 minutes.
‘Our research tells us as many as 80 per cent of strokes can be prevented by getting a regular check up with your doctor, managing blood pressure, cholesterol, eating healthily, being active, not smoking, and only drinking alcohol in moderation,’ Dr Murphy said.
‘One million strokes a year globally are linked to physical inactivity. We know that 30 minutes of exercise five times a week can reduce your stroke risk by 25 per cent.’
Stride4Stroke kicks off on Friday and runs throughout the month of November. The campaign starts just days after World Stroke Day which is commemorated each year on October 29.
Time is brain damage
‘Someone in every household and workplace in Australia should know the F.A.S.T (Face, Arms, Speech and Time) message,’ said Dr Murphy.
‘When a stroke strikes, it attacks up to 1.9 million brain cells. Calling triple zero (000) at the first sign of stroke is vital.’
