A Canberra radio journalist is urging his fellow Canberran blokes to tune into their health and learn the signs of stroke.
Brent Ford is Capital Radio Network's News Director and has been a regular voice on the 2CC airwaves for many years. This week he is getting behind the Stroke Foundation campaign to raise the levels of stroke awareness in men - which currently sits at dismal levels.
Called Bloke Beside You the grassroots social media campaign encourages Australians to share a series of videos explaining the F.A.S.T. message.
F.A.S.T. highlights three common stroke indicators: Facial droop, Arms not working, and Slurred speech. The T is a reminder that medical treatment for stroke is time critical. Without it, thousands of Australians die each year or are left with permanent physical and cognitive disabilities.
Disturbingly, men's recognition levels of these stroke signs lag 15 per cent behind women - with almost half Australia's male population unable to name any of the three signs. Not knowing what stroke looks like, and not understanding the need for urgent medical care, reduces the chance of survival and recovery.
Brent understands the urgency required in stroke treatment well. Since conducting a radio interview with fellow Canberran and survivor of stroke Gus Sabatino several years ago, Brent has been on a mission to raise awareness of the F.A.S.T. message.
In his video message for the Stroke Foundation campaign, Brent urges Aussie blokes to educate themselves about stroke.
"It could save someone's life. You could know someone who is going to have a stroke, so I think it's really important that you get out there and you learn about F.A.S.T."
Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Dr Lisa Murphy says she's been impressed with Brent's level of support and his willingness to do what he can to educate others.
"Brent is not just walking the walk - he's literally running the run and showing people in his community the importance of being active to offset stroke risk," she says.
"I hope Canberrans take notice of Brent's important message this week. Learn F.A.S.T and share that message with a bloke you know. We need to change those statistics and improve men's awareness so that we can reduce the impact of stroke."
The series of Bloke Beside You videos featuring sports stars, politicians, actors, and media stars are all being posted on Stroke Foundation social media channels this week.
