No more stroke for our mob rap raises awareness this Stroke Week
September 03, 2018
A rap song promoting stroke awareness and the steps we can all take to reduce our stroke risk will hit the airwaves this September as part of National Stroke Week (September 3 to 9).
The song, written by Cairns speech pathologist Rukmani Rusch and performed by leading Indigenous artist Naomi Wenitong, was created to boost low levels of stroke awareness in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Sharon McGowan said the rap packed a punch, delivering an important message, in a fun and accessible way.
“The Stroke Rap has a powerful message we all need to hear,’’ Ms McGowan said.
“Too many Australians continue to lose their lives to stroke each year when most strokes can be prevented.
“Music is a powerful tool for change and we hope that people will listen to the song, remember and act on its stroke awareness and prevention message – it could save their life.”
Ms McGowan said the song’s message was particularly important for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities who were over represented in stroke statistics.
Recently released Australian National University research, found around one-third to a half of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in their 40s, 50s and 60s were at high risk of future heart attack or stroke. It also found risk increased substantially with age and starts earlier than previously thought, with high levels of risk were occurring in people younger than 35.
The good news is more than 80 percent of strokes can be prevented,’’ Ms McGowan said.
“This National Stroke Week, we are urging all Australians to take steps to reduce their stroke risk.
“As a first step, I encourage Australians visit their local GP or community health centre for a health check, or take advantage of a free digital health check at your local pharmacy to learn more about your stroke risk factors.
“Then make small changes and stay motivated to reduce your stroke risk. Every step counts towards a healthy life,” she said.
Top tips for National Stroke Week:
• Stay active - Too much body fat can contribute to high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Get moving and aim exercise at least 2.5 to 5 hours a week.
• Eat well – Fuel your body with a balanced diet. Drop the salt and check the sodium content on packaged foods. Steer clear of sugary drinks and drink plenty of water.
• Drink alcohol in moderation - Drinking large amounts of alcohol increases your risk of stroke through increased blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, obesity and irregular heart beat (atrial fibrillation). Stick to no more than two standard alcoholic drinks a day for men and one standard drink per day for women.
• Quit smoking - Smokers have twice the risk of having a stroke than non-smokers. There are immediate health benefits from quitting.
• Make time to see your doctor for a health check. Ask for a blood pressure check because high blood pressure is the key risk factor for stroke. Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol and atrial fibrillation are also stroke risks which can be managed with the help of a GP.
National Stroke Week is the Stroke Foundation’s annual stroke awareness campaign.
More than 2400 activities will be held right around the country including information stalls, morning teas, talks from stroke survivors, health checks, personal or team challenges, and fundraising.
The song, written by Cairns speech pathologist Rukmani Rusch and performed by leading Indigenous artist Naomi Wenitong, was created to boost low levels of stroke awareness in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Sharon McGowan said the rap packed a punch, delivering an important message, in a fun and accessible way.
“The Stroke Rap has a powerful message we all need to hear,’’ Ms McGowan said.
“Too many Australians continue to lose their lives to stroke each year when most strokes can be prevented.
“Music is a powerful tool for change and we hope that people will listen to the song, remember and act on its stroke awareness and prevention message – it could save their life.”
Ms McGowan said the song’s message was particularly important for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities who were over represented in stroke statistics.
Recently released Australian National University research, found around one-third to a half of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in their 40s, 50s and 60s were at high risk of future heart attack or stroke. It also found risk increased substantially with age and starts earlier than previously thought, with high levels of risk were occurring in people younger than 35.
The good news is more than 80 percent of strokes can be prevented,’’ Ms McGowan said.
“This National Stroke Week, we are urging all Australians to take steps to reduce their stroke risk.
“As a first step, I encourage Australians visit their local GP or community health centre for a health check, or take advantage of a free digital health check at your local pharmacy to learn more about your stroke risk factors.
“Then make small changes and stay motivated to reduce your stroke risk. Every step counts towards a healthy life,” she said.
Top tips for National Stroke Week:
• Stay active - Too much body fat can contribute to high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Get moving and aim exercise at least 2.5 to 5 hours a week.
• Eat well – Fuel your body with a balanced diet. Drop the salt and check the sodium content on packaged foods. Steer clear of sugary drinks and drink plenty of water.
• Drink alcohol in moderation - Drinking large amounts of alcohol increases your risk of stroke through increased blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, obesity and irregular heart beat (atrial fibrillation). Stick to no more than two standard alcoholic drinks a day for men and one standard drink per day for women.
• Quit smoking - Smokers have twice the risk of having a stroke than non-smokers. There are immediate health benefits from quitting.
• Make time to see your doctor for a health check. Ask for a blood pressure check because high blood pressure is the key risk factor for stroke. Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol and atrial fibrillation are also stroke risks which can be managed with the help of a GP.
National Stroke Week is the Stroke Foundation’s annual stroke awareness campaign.
More than 2400 activities will be held right around the country including information stalls, morning teas, talks from stroke survivors, health checks, personal or team challenges, and fundraising.