International allrounder stumped by Queensland blokes’ knowledge of strokes

Sports stars, politicians and entertainers are this week supporting Stroke Foundation in a public health education campaign which hopes to drastically lift the level of Australian men’s awareness of stroke. 

Queenslander and former professional cricketer Lee Carseldine has had far too much exposure to the impact of stroke. His family was rocked when his Dad experienced a stroke in 2006, only to then be devastated when Lee’s Mum suffered a catastrophic fatal stroke four years ago.  

Lee has since dedicated his time to raising awareness of the risks and signs of stroke in the hope that other families do not go through the same experience his has. He is now throwing his support behind a new Stroke Foundation campaign to specifically educate more Australian men about stroke.  

Called Bloke Beside You, the grassroots social media video campaign sees well-known faces encouraging Australians to share the F.A.S.T. message and to educate others – particularly blokes.   

The campaign asks Australians to share a series of videos about the F.A.S.T. message. F.A.S.T. covers the three common stroke indicators: Facial droop, Arms not working, and Slurred speech. The T is a reminder that treatment for stroke is time critical.   

Stroke Foundation data shows that men’s recognition levels of these stroke signs lag 15 per cent behind women – with almost 50 per cent of Australian men unable to name any of the three signs.  

Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Dr Lisa Murphy says Lee’s years of advocacy for stroke education will have undoubtably changed lives across Australia.  

“Lee’s family has been through so much yet his willingness to share that personal story to help others never wavers. I know there will be many people who will see Lee’s message about learning F.A.S.T and I urge them to take his sage advice,” she says.  

“Learn F.A.S.T. Learn what stroke looks like and what to do when it happens so that, if at all possible, you or a loved one can have the very best chance of survival and recovery.”    

The Bloke Beside You campaign has been launched in International Men’s Health Week, which has the theme Healthy Habits, and Dr Murphy says that fits well when it comes to reducing the risk of stroke.  

“As a sportsman Lee has always led by example in promoting the genuine benefits of being active. This is a key factor in offsetting stroke risk. Follow Lee’s example, those healthy habits may save your life.”    

Videos of all Bloke Beside You participants will be posted on Stroke Foundation social media channels this week and Dr Murphy encourages people to share them widely.