Ballina Electorate Media Releases
National Stroke Week 15th – 21st September ( 12/08/2008)
The National Stroke Foundation are campaigning to increase awareness of the signs of stroke, which is Australia’s second biggest killer and leading cause of disability.
Ballina MP, Don Page is getting behind the campaign and is encouraging all members of the community to pick up a FAST information card.
FAST stands for Facial weakness, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties, Time to act FAST. Recognising any of these signs and calling 000 immediately can be the difference between death or severe disability and making a good recovery.
The National Stroke Foundation are endeavouring to distribute 1.3million of the FAST cards.
“I strongly support the National Stroke Foundation’s awareness campaign and encourage everyone to obtain a FAST card,” Mr Page said.
“This is a very important message to get out there. Stroke is the second biggest killer in Australia with the number increasing every year,” he said.
Preventing deaths and severe disability from stroke is possible through raising awareness and decreasing risk factors. Some of the preventable risk factors associated with stroke are obesity, smoking and high blood pressure.
The Chief Executive Office of the National Stroke Foundation, Dr Erin Lalor, says that in the next ten years more than half a million people will suffer a stroke.
‘I encourage everyone to come and pick up a FAST test card,” Mr Page said.
FAST cards are available from Don Page’s office at Shop 1, 7 Moon Street, Ballina or by phoning 02 6686 7522.
