Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Sharon McGowan
I would sincerely like to thank all the local residents who took part in Australia’s Biggest Blood Pressure Check this May and June, making it a huge success. During the campaign a record 63,211 checks were delivered by Stroke Foundation in partnership with Pharmacies across the country. With your support, we far exceeded last year’s tally of 56,000 health checks.
Disturbingly, one in three participants was found to have high blood pressure, which is a key risk factor for stroke.
The results came as a wake-up call to many, as high blood pressure often has no symptoms. Those found to have high blood pressure and an increased stroke risk were referred onto their doctor for advice on lowering their blood pressure, reducing their risk of stroke and improving their overall health.
Stroke kills more women than breast cancer, more men than prostate cancer and leaves thousands with an ongoing disability. Stroke attacks the brain, the human control centre, impacting both physical and mental abilities. It happens in an instant, changing the lives of the survivor and their loved ones forever.
There is one stroke in Australia every nine minutes. However it doesn’t have to be this way, stroke is largely preventable.
There are many things we can all do to help protect ourselves from stroke, like managing our blood pressure, getting more active, maintaining a healthy diet, stopping smoking and reducing our alcohol consumption. Take the opportunity to see what you can do to help today by visiting www.strokefoundation.org.au
