BALLARAT\u2019S 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.<\/p>\n
Anaesthetist and FIN\u2019s founder and president, Dr Sanjay Sharma hopes the Strike out Stroke initiative will encourage the community to come along and understand their blood health.<\/p>\n
During a visit from India to Ballarat last year, Dr Dharma\u2019s mother had a stroke while she slept.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt opened my eyes to all the figures,\u201d Dr Sharma said.<\/p>\n
\u201cCompared to cancer, there\u2019s very little awareness. It\u2019s a burden on society.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt kills more women than breast cancer and more men than prostate cancer.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dr Sharma said it might be surprising, but stroke is also experienced by some children.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cNearly 82 per cent of people find out they\u2019re hypertensive when they get a blood pressure check,\u201d Dr Sharma said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you pay attention, you can keep healthy. It\u2019s an easy one to check, come and support.\u201d<\/p>\n
Find out which Ballarat library will host a health professional every Wednesday, 12-1pm by checking facebook.com\/friendsofindianetwork.<\/p>\n
Ramsay Pharmacy at Stockland Wendouree are also offering free checks until March.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
BALLARAT\u2019S 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\u2019s founder and president, Dr Sanjay Sharma hopes the Strike out Stroke initiative will encourage the community to come along and understand their blood […]<\/p>\n