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If you could change one thing and reduce your risk of another stroke, what would it be?

 

There are things you can do to take charge of your health. For example:

  • Be more active – 30 minutes most days
  • Eat well – more fruit, vegetables and whole grains
  • Avoid alcohol – the less you drink, the lower your risk
  • Quit smoking – your risk of stroke drops immediately
  • Take your medicines – for blood pressure, cholesterol, or blood thinners.

In the Living Well After Stroke program, we help you choose one goal to work on.

“I'm adding 5 vegetables and 2 fruits into my every day, and am more aware of what I am eating. I went to a party on the weekend and thought about the challenge that would be before I went, and what I could do to stay on track. It felt good to be in control.”

How it works

  • Free to join, easy to register or refer online
  • 5 small interactive online video group sessions over 8 weeks
  • You will need access to a phone, iPad or computer with internet
  • The program requires reading, writing and communicating. If you have any trouble with these, consider a support person to assist.

“This program is such good format scaffolding for my goal, and I can already see myself using it for all the other things that I want to achieve.”

Frequently asked questions

Is this a stroke rehabilitation program?

No, this is not a stroke rehabilitation program. It is a behaviour-change program focused on reducing the risk of another stroke.

What happens in the 5 sessions?

Participants receive a toolkit with a workbook. They choose one healthy habit to change, set goals, create action plans to overcome obstacles, monitor progress, and learn strategies for sustainable change.

How many people are in a group?

Groups are small and interactive, usually 4–5 participants, to ensure everyone gets enough time and support.

Is this a support group?

Not exactly. This is a goal-focused program where participants work on their own health habits. However, the group setting provides peer support and camaraderie.

Can I refer a patient from hospital discharge?

Yes, you can. However, we recommend starting the program at least 3 months post-stroke, as the initial recovery period can be busy. You can still send an expression of interest – just let us know if the stroke occurred less than 3 months ago.

Is this group right for me/my patient?

If you have had a stroke or TIA and want to make healthy changes, this program could be ideal.

“LWAS is making me more mindful. I'm getting a lot out of it. I know there are things that I can't control, but (this) has made me more mindful of the things I can control. I think understanding the modifiable risks gives me a sense of control, reducing my anxiety, it's given me tools to have more mindfulness and make better choices.”

How to join

Fill out an Expression of Interest form, and a StrokeLine health professional will contact you to discuss the program.

For more information, email lwas@strokefoundation.org.au or call 1800 787 653.