Reduce Your Risk on World Stroke Day

Reduce your risk on World Stroke Day

Everyone should make it a priority to learn about stroke, and reduce their risk of having one.

That’s the message from Stroke Foundation CEO Mark Vivian ahead of World Stroke Day on Saturday.

“You don’t have to live like a monk, just make sensible, healthy decisions,” Mr Vivian says.

“Regular blood pressure checks and exercise, a low-salt diet, responsible drinking and quitting tobacco are all steps that could greatly reduce your likelihood of having a stroke.”

The theme of World Stroke Day this year is “Stroke is Treatable”, reflecting advances in clot-busting treatments called thrombolysis and thrombectomies.

But Mr Vivian says these treatments are most effective when the stroke is diagnosed quickly.

“For that reason we urge everyone to learn the FAST message – we know that’s a life-saver.”

Earlier this year the Stroke Foundation, Ministry of Health, and Health Promotion Agency ran a successful campaign to promote FAST (Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call 111), which teaches people the main symptoms of stroke.

“We’ve heard many stories where FAST made a huge difference to someone’s life,” Mr Vivian says.

 “If any of those symptoms are showing, call 111 immediately. It can be the difference between life and death, or healthy recovery and years of disability.”

For further information contact:

Simon Bradwell, Communications and Promotions Manager

04 815 8124 / 027 506 9822 simon.bradwell@stroke.org.nz

Follow us on Twitter: @StrokewiseNZ