Concerning new Stroke Foundation data has found that people living in the seat of Page are going backwards when it comes to recognising one of the most common signs of stroke.

The foundation’s F.A.S.T. (Face, Arms, Speech, Time) National Awareness survey, completed by YouGov, found that only 48 per cent of Page residents know that facial droop is a sign of stroke, which is a massive 13 per cent decrease compared to last year ( 61 per cent). Additionally, awareness of the inability to lift both arms as a sign of stroke has dropped by four per cent when compared to 2022.

Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Dr Lisa Murphy, says this is very concerning given every minute counts when someone is having a stroke.

“We are very concerned by the survey results telling us is that fewer people in the Page region would recognise a stroke and might not know that it is a medical emergency that requires you to call 000.

Stroke is always a medical emergency and every minute counts when it is happening.”

In 2023 Stroke Foundation commissioned YouGov to survey thousands of Australians on their awareness of the signs and risks of stroke and test their knowledge of the F.A.S.T. acronym which highlights the most common signs of stroke (F for facial droop, A for inability to lift both arms, S for slurred speech and T stands for time. Stroke is always a medical emergency so call an ambulance immediately).

“When a stroke strikes, it attacks up to 1.9 million brain cells per minute. Acting quickly and getting emergency treatment by calling 000 can be the difference between surviving and living well after stroke or death and long-term disability.”

“Knowing the signs of stroke and recognising a stroke saves lives,” Dr Murphy said.

The survey also measures Australians’ awareness of the risk factors of stroke. One of the leading causes of stroke is high blood pressure. In the Page region, around 34,926 people are living with high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. Thankfully, awareness of high blood pressure being a modifiable risk of stroke has increased by five per cent compared to the year before.

“I cannot stress enough the importance of having regular health and blood pressure checks to firstly identify if you have high blood pressure and then work with your GP on ways to reduce your blood pressure and control it.”