Research shows one million strokes globally a year are linked to physical inactivity, and alarmingly, all Australian states are lagging behind the recommended activity levels.
According to an Australian Bureau of Statistics Survey, 83 percent of the population aged 15 years and over are failing to meet the recommended exercise targets.
This November, hundreds of Australians will take part in Stroke Foundation’s Stride4Stroke challenge, reducing their risk of stroke and raising funds to support stroke survivors.
Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Sharon McGowan said Stride4Stroke was a great opportunity for people to boost their activity levels and improve their health.
“Stroke is one of this country’s biggest killers and a leading cause of disability, but it can be prevented and it can be treated,” Ms McGowan said.
“We can all take action to reduce our stroke risk, just 30 minutes of exercise five times a week can reduce your risk of stroke by 25 percent.
“It is also well known that exercise can help stroke survivors recover brain function after a stroke.
“This November, grab your friends, set an activity goal to complete and get moving for Stride4Stroke.”
Stride4Stroke is easy to be involved with; register, set your own activity goal and fundraising target to complete in the month, and go for it! Whether a step in rehab, a roll around the block in a wheel chair or running a marathon, it all counts. No goal is too small.
Ms McGowan said every dollar raised through Stride4Stroke will go towards vital Stroke Foundation programs like free telephone advice service StrokeLine (1800 787 653) and follow up services which help survivors and their families transition to life back home after stroke and throughout the recovery journey.
“With your support we will stand alongside stroke survivors and their families. We will support survivors and their families to live well after stroke,” she said.
This November who will you stride for? Get a team together for Stride4Stroke or do it by yourself. Set an activity and fundraising goal and go for it! Register now at www.stride4stroke.org.au
Stride4Stroke is open to people of all ages and abilities.
