Major landmarks across Melbourne will be lit up in green and blue to mark National Stroke Week, which begins Monday, August 8.
Stroke is one of Australia’s biggest killers and a leading cause of disability. Each year an estimated 27,000
people experience their first stroke, which is one stroke every 19 minutes, according to the Stroke Foundation.
This National Stroke Week (August 8-14) Stroke Foundation is encouraging the community to learn the F.A.S.T (Face, Arms, Speech, Time) message to ensure more people recognise when a stroke is happening and call triple-0 for urgent help.
Most strokes show one or more signs mentioned in the F.A.S.T acronym.
Stroke Foundation chief executive Sharon McGowan says she is grateful for the support of the Australian cities which are lighting their landmarks to draw attention to the way stroke impacts communities.
“Stroke can happen to anyone, of any age, at any time. Stroke takes a person out of their community, and that might be for a short time, or permanently – the impact is always far reaching for families, for workplaces, and for community groups,” she said.
“The good news is that stroke can be treated, and people can recover well but only if more people can recognise the F.A.S.T message. Calling an ambulance at the first sign of stroke saves and reduces life- long disability. Lighting up so many Australian landmarks to raise awareness of stroke will emphasise that this is something we should all take notice of.”
Think F.A.S.T and ask these questions if you suspect a stroke:
• Face – Check their face. Has their mouth drooped?
• Arms – Can they lift both arms?
• Speech – Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you?
• Time – Time is critical. If you see any of these signs, call triple-0 straight away.
