The Stroke Foundation is supporting Love Your Brain, a free, evidence-based digital tool that helps Australians understand and manage their risk of stroke.
Developed in collaboration with Monash University and the Menzies Institute for Medical Research at the University of Tasmania, Love Your Brain aims to reduce the number of strokes experienced each year by empowering people with knowledge, motivation and simple, practical steps to improve their health.
The researchers are looking for people aged 45 or more who have never had a stroke or major heart event.
The program offers participants a 12-week tailored online course or a series of emails and SMS messages, sharing insights into stroke risk factors, such as high blood pressure, and how to take meaningful action to lower them.
Stroke Foundation CEO, Dr Lisa Murphy, said the initiative is a powerful way to put prevention into people’s hands.
“Stroke can be a devastating disease with the impact to change lives in an instant by leading to complex visible and invisible disabilities, including issues with mobility, communication, sensory and cognitive changes, mental wellbeing impacts and even death! The good news is that more than 80% of strokes can be prevented, which is why tools such as Love Your Brain are so important to raise awareness about ways Aussies can reduce their personal risk of stroke, and protect their health and wellbeing,” Dr Murphy said.
“This project is about raising awareness and making prevention practical. Love Your Brain meets people where they’re at and encourages small changes that can make a big difference,” Dr Murphy added.
One in four people globally will have a stroke in their lifetime. In Australia alone, more than 440,000 people are living with the impact of stroke, and around 46,000 Australians experience a stroke every year – that is one every 11 minutes!
Survivor of stroke Matt Picone knows the toll all too well. “Stroke turned my life upside down – and I’m one of the lucky ones. I survived. My dad did not,” Mr Picone said.
“This photo of him with two thumbs up, proud as ever, is classic Dad. Six months later, we lost him to stroke.”
“Stroke stats feel impersonal until it’s your family. I never imagined it happening to me or Dad. But it did.”
“Right now, one in four people globally will have a stroke. Think of a room with 20 friends and family. Now imagine that five will experience a stroke. Most strokes can be prevented through simple lifestyle changes and knowing your personal risk.
We’re encouraging all eligible Australians to take part in the Love Your Brainprogram. It’s free, it’s practical, and it could save a life.
Researchers are currently looking for people aged 45 and over, who have not had a stroke or major heart event, to participate in the trial of Love Your Brain. It requires no more than 30 minutes per week over 12 weeks and includes two online surveys.
To find out more or enrol in the program, visit: https://strokefoundation.org.au
