Striking out stroke

BALLARAT’S Friends of India Network is running a free service until March, encouraging local people to get their Blood Pressure checked and be aware of their risk of stroke.

Anaesthetist and FIN’s founder and president, Dr Sanjay Sharma hopes the Strike out Stroke initiative will encourage the community to come along and understand their blood health.

During a visit from India to Ballarat last year, Dr Dharma’s mother had a stroke while she slept.

Having been touched so closely by stroke, he became inspired to seek a deeper knowledge of what it means, its broader impact and how he could help.

“It opened my eyes to all the figures,” Dr Sharma said.

“Compared to cancer, there’s very little awareness. It’s a burden on society.

“It kills more women than breast cancer and more men than prostate cancer.”

Dr Sharma said it might be surprising, but stroke is also experienced by some children.

He said if people get their blood pressure checked, they might be able to get on the front foot if they are at a high risk of experiencing stroke within their current lifestyle.

“Nearly 82 per cent of people find out they’re hypertensive when they get a blood pressure check,” Dr Sharma said.

“If you pay attention, you can keep healthy. It’s an easy one to check, come and support.”

Find out which Ballarat library will host a health professional every Wednesday, 12-1pm by checking facebook.com/friendsofindianetwork.

Ramsay Pharmacy at Stockland Wendouree are also offering free checks until March.