The Stroke Foundation is encouraging Victorians, including those in Hume and Whittlesea, to get moving and raise money for Stride4Stroke this November.
The foundation said more than 7000 Victorians will have a stroke for the first time this year, despite 80 per cent of strokes being preventable.
Accommodating people of all ages and abilities, the month-long campaign encourages participants, as individuals or teams, or set their own fundraising goals, completing the challenge within the month.
Stroke Foundation marketing executive director John De Rango was pleased to see so many Victorians sign up for the cause already.
“It is amazing to see so many people using Stride4Stroke as an opportunity to focus on their health and to get moving during the month of November,” Mr De Rango said.
“We know that globally, one million strokes a year are linked to physical inactivity, this means too many lives are being impacted by stroke unnecessarily.”
The foundation outlined the ways to identify if a person is having a stroke, asking people to “think F.A.S.T” and ask the following questions:
• F stands for Face – Check their face. Has their mouth drooped?
• A stands for Arms – Can they lift both arms?
• S stands for Speech – Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you?
• And T stands for Time – Time is critical. If you see any of these signs, call triple 000 straight away.
Mr De Rango said every dollar raised will have a “huge impact” and leave a lasting legacy.
“It will help us prevent stroke in Victoria, fund research and support survivors and their families through their recovery journey,” he said.
“It’s not too late to sign up and take part. You can still sign up to be involved, make a positive impact in your community and reduce your own stroke risk.”
Details: www.stride4stroke.org.au/.
