'Know the signs and you could save a life' is a key theme of this year's National Stroke Week (Monday 4 - Sunday 10 August 2025). Stroke is one of Australia's biggest killers and more than 80 percent of strokes can be prevented.
National Stroke Week encourages us all to know the F.A.S.T. (Face, Arms, Speech and Time) signs of stroke so that we can save a life.
- Face Check their face. Has their mouth drooped?
- Arms Can they lift both arms.
- Speech Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you?
- Time Is critical. If you see any of these signs, call 000 straight away.
A stroke is always a medical emergency. Calling triple '000' will put you through to an emergency call taker that will ask you some questions and decide if you need immediate assistance if stroke is the likely cause of your symptoms.
Professor Dominique Cadilhac, from Monash University's School of Clinical Sciences and the Victorian Heart Institute said, knowing the signs of stroke and acting FAST in calling an ambulance and going to hospital is essential to minimise lifelong disability or death from stroke.
"Data from the Australian Stroke Clinical Registry emphasises the long-term health impacts that face Australian survivors of stroke, with three in four patients experiencing problems with either mobility, self-care, performing usual activities, pain and discomfort, or anxiety and depression," Professor Cadilhac said.
"In our latest report for the Stroke Foundation, we showed that stroke can happen in people at any age, with one in four occurring in people aged under 65 years.
"If Australians could better manage high blood pressure, then we could potentially avert 970 strokes from the 45,000 expected to occur each year. We collaborated with the Stroke Foundation to develop an online tool that you can use to find out how many strokes might be impacting your community."
Professor Monique Kilkenny, from Monash University's School of Clinical Sciences said during National Stroke Week, everyone is reminded of the importance of prioritising stroke prevention and making healthy choices every day.
"With stroke as a leading cause of disability worldwide, focusing on prevention is critical, and physical activity is a key component," Professor Kilkenny said.
In Australia, two in three adults are living with overweight or obesity, a statistic that highlights the need for greater awareness around lifestyle changes. A balanced diet and regular physical activity can significantly reduce the risk of stroke while boosting overall health.
Here are some practical, simple strategies for older adults and caregivers to support a more active lifestyle:
- Take breaks from sitting: Setting a timer to stretch and move regularly can help reduce time spent sitting.
- Encourage walking: Whether indoors or around the grounds, short walks contribute to improved mobility.
- Get extra steps: For those able, parking a little farther away or choosing a longer route can add steps without extra effort.
- Take the stairs: If possible, using the stairs can build strength and balance.
- Aim for daily activity: Start with as little as 15-30 minutes a day, gradually increasing time and intensity based on comfort and ability.
"In Australia, the new Love Your Brain project is making strides in stroke prevention and education, especially for older adults. Developed in partnership with Monash University, the Stroke Foundation, and the University of Tasmania, this initiative leverages digital tools to increase stroke awareness and promote healthy lifestyle choices. This platform will foster awareness of stroke risk factors and encourage regular physical activity," Professor Kilkenny said.
The Love Your Brain program is catered to adults living in Australia aged over 45 years. The program offers evidence-based information delivered digitally, either via email, text messages or online courses, to empower individuals to make lifestyle changes to reduce their stroke risk.
"The Love Your Brain project is committed to Stroke week. With 80 per cent of strokes preventable, resources like Love Your Brain are powerful tools for empowering people to take proactive steps in reducing their stroke risk. For those interested in taking part, Love Your Brain offers a way to connect, learn, and commit to a stroke-free future."
Dr Lachlan Dalli, from the Monash University's School of Clinical Sciences said, knowing your stroke risk could save your life. Seeing a doctor, getting your risk factors assessed, and starting prevention medication early gives you the best chance to avoid a stroke.
"In our new research, we have shown that approximately less than half of all patients used prevention medications before their stroke," Dr Dalli said.
"Keeping an active supply of your medicine (for example blood pressure, lipid-lowering or blood-thinning medications) is crucial. Don't wait until you run out to seek a refill. You can now also request a 60-day prescription from your GP to keep you covered for longer and potentially reduce out-of-pocket costs.
"Our research also shows that women, especially the youngest and oldest, are missing out on lifesaving stroke prevention medications after discharge. This gender gap in care is a serious equity issue that demands urgent attention to enhance post-stroke recovery."
