Thousands of survivors, carers, families and supporters are uniting in a virtual relay around the country to help raise awareness of how to prevent stroke this September.
National Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Dr Erin Lalor said they relay was a mammoth effort – particularly when you consider some participants are re-learning how to walk after their own stroke.
“We’ve got people of all fitness levels participating in the relay, from marathon runners and swimmers doing things like crossing the English Channel and swimming around the statue of liberty; and we even have a person riding a horse from Melbourne to the Top End,” Dr Lalor said.
“But for me, the most amazing group are the people who are doing laps of their own hallways as they relearn how to walk after a stroke. “The grit and determination shown by these remarkable individuals is truly inspirational.
“The purpose of the relay is to raise awareness of stroke and encourage people to get off the couch and get active to reduce their risk. “Stroke is Australia’s second biggest killer and yet most people have no idea that simply moving more can help to reduce their risk.”
This week is National Stroke Week and Dr Lalor is encouraging everyone to commit to regular exercise. “The best prevention is to simply stay healthy; eat well, exercise and have regular check-ups at the doctor,’’ she said.
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