Every step counts towards a healthy life
September 03, 2018
Western Australian Health Minister the Hon Roger Cook MLA demonstrated how easy it was to reduce your stroke risk, as he launched National Stroke Week in Kings Park this morning.
Minister Cook joined local stroke survivor Rob Goyen at the park for a light run and encouraged fellow Western Australians to get moving.
“I was shocked to learn from the Stroke Foundation that Western Australians will experience around 5,000 strokes this year, yet most could be prevented,’’ Minister Cook said.
“Many strokes can be prevented by managing conditions like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol and by making healthy lifestyle choices.
“This Government is committed to a healthier Western Australia and keeping people out of hospital.
“That is why, this National Stroke Week I encourage all Western Australians to take small steps towards a healthier life by taking in some regular exercise, eating well and making time to visit your GP for a health check,” he said.
Bicton resident Rob Goyen, suffered a stroke when he was 34 and said prevention was the best medicine.
“I was a young man and stroke turned my world upside down. I don’t want other people go through that if it can potentially be avoided,” Rob said.
“Following the stroke, I suffered from dysphasia (inability to put words together) and had minimal use of my right hand.
“It was a slow process to regain strength in my legs and it was incredibly challenging mentally. I still suffer from anxiety. But I was determined to live a good life and set myself goals to run again – those runs gradually got longer and longer.”
In November, Mr Goyen plans to run almost 250 kilometres from Bicton to Dunsborough to raise stroke awareness and funds for the Stroke Foundation.
Stroke Foundation Western Australian State Manager Jonine Collins said stroke attacks the brain - the human control centre - changing lives in an instant. The disease is one of Australia’s biggest killers and a leading cause of disability.
“Incidence of stroke is on the increase and more younger people are having strokes, but it doesn’t have to be this way, more than 80 percent of strokes can be prevented,’’ Ms Collins said.
“This National Stroke Week, I urge people to visit their GP, learn about their risks and to fit good habits into their day. This includes increasing physical activity, eating a balanced diet, becoming smoke free and only drinking alcohol in moderation.
“I thank Minister Cook for his support in launching National Stroke Week. I am also grateful to the government for recognising the importance of stroke awareness by funding the new FAST Community Education program,” she said.
Under the program, StrokeSafe ambassadors educate local groups about how to spot the most common signs of stroke and discuss stroke risk factors, prevention and treatment.
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.
Minister Cook joined local stroke survivor Rob Goyen at the park for a light run and encouraged fellow Western Australians to get moving.
“I was shocked to learn from the Stroke Foundation that Western Australians will experience around 5,000 strokes this year, yet most could be prevented,’’ Minister Cook said.
“Many strokes can be prevented by managing conditions like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol and by making healthy lifestyle choices.
“This Government is committed to a healthier Western Australia and keeping people out of hospital.
“That is why, this National Stroke Week I encourage all Western Australians to take small steps towards a healthier life by taking in some regular exercise, eating well and making time to visit your GP for a health check,” he said.
Bicton resident Rob Goyen, suffered a stroke when he was 34 and said prevention was the best medicine.
“I was a young man and stroke turned my world upside down. I don’t want other people go through that if it can potentially be avoided,” Rob said.
“Following the stroke, I suffered from dysphasia (inability to put words together) and had minimal use of my right hand.
“It was a slow process to regain strength in my legs and it was incredibly challenging mentally. I still suffer from anxiety. But I was determined to live a good life and set myself goals to run again – those runs gradually got longer and longer.”
In November, Mr Goyen plans to run almost 250 kilometres from Bicton to Dunsborough to raise stroke awareness and funds for the Stroke Foundation.
Stroke Foundation Western Australian State Manager Jonine Collins said stroke attacks the brain - the human control centre - changing lives in an instant. The disease is one of Australia’s biggest killers and a leading cause of disability.
“Incidence of stroke is on the increase and more younger people are having strokes, but it doesn’t have to be this way, more than 80 percent of strokes can be prevented,’’ Ms Collins said.
“This National Stroke Week, I urge people to visit their GP, learn about their risks and to fit good habits into their day. This includes increasing physical activity, eating a balanced diet, becoming smoke free and only drinking alcohol in moderation.
“I thank Minister Cook for his support in launching National Stroke Week. I am also grateful to the government for recognising the importance of stroke awareness by funding the new FAST Community Education program,” she said.
Under the program, StrokeSafe ambassadors educate local groups about how to spot the most common signs of stroke and discuss stroke risk factors, prevention and treatment.
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.