{"id":118540,"date":"2025-08-07T04:00:25","date_gmt":"2025-08-06T18:00:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/timesnewsgroup.com.au\/geelongtimes\/?p=118540"},"modified":"2025-08-07T04:00:25","modified_gmt":"2025-08-06T18:00:25","slug":"learn-f-a-s-t-signs-this-national-stroke-week-and-save-lives","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/timesnewsgroup.com.au\/geelongtimes\/news\/learn-f-a-s-t-signs-this-national-stroke-week-and-save-lives\/","title":{"rendered":"Learn F.A.S.T. signs this National Stroke Week and save lives"},"content":{"rendered":"

Stroke Foundation is urging all Australians to do their part this <\/span>National Stroke Week<\/a> (August 4 to August 10) by learning and sharing the F.A.S.T. signs of stroke so they know how to react if someone they love experiences a stroke.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

The acronym highlights the three most common signs of stroke (Face drooping, Arm weakness, and Speech difficulty) while emphasising the importance of Time when it comes to recognising and treating a stroke.<\/p>\n

The call to action comes after Stroke Foundation\u2019s 2024 Economic Impact of Stroke Report found that a stroke occurs every 11 minutes in Australia.<\/p>\n

In 2023, there were an estimated 45,785 strokes in Australia, and there were more than 440,000 Australians survivors of stroke of all ages living across the nation.<\/p>\n

Stroke remains one of Australia\u2019s leading causes of death and disability.<\/p>\n

Stroke Foundation<\/a> chief executive officer Dr Lisa Murphy said recognising the signs of stroke is more important than people may think.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen a stroke strikes, it attacks up to\u00a01.9\u00a0million brain cells per minute so there\u2019s absolutely no time to waste. You must act fast and call triple zero (000) for help.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe faster you can receive treatment for stroke, the more chance you have of surviving, with better outlook for recovery. This chain of survival starts with knowing the F.A.S.T. signs of stroke<\/a> and calling the ambulance as soon as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere is a common misconception that stroke only happens to older Australians, but we know that stroke doesn\u2019t discriminate.\u201d<\/p>\n

She said stroke could occur in people of all ages.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn fact, one in four strokes affect Aussies of working age.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is why it is critically important for all Australians to learn and share the F.A.S.T. signs of stroke.\u201d<\/p>\n

National Stroke Week is Stroke Foundation\u2019s annual campaign to raise awareness of stroke and its signs, while encouraging action that can save lives.<\/p>\n

This year\u2019s theme, \u201cKnow the signs and you could save a life\u201d, encourages Australians to learn the F.A.S.T. acronym:<\/p>\n