No smoking means half the risk of stroke

A public health campaign with a startling message about the links between smoking and stroke, will run in NSW.

Research has shown that smokers are twice as likely to suffer a stroke, Australia’s second biggest killer and a leading cause of severe disability. 

The Carotid TV campaign in NSW demonstrates how smoking increases the risk of stroke, by causing a build up of plaque in the main artery to the brain.

The National Stroke Foundation ceo, Dr Erin Lalor, said the campaign will help to raise awareness of the serious risks involved with smoking, and how people can dramatically reduce their risk of stroke.

She said: “One of the best ways to reduce your risk of stroke is to quit smoking.” 

The Carotid TV ads will be screened in conjunction with the ‘Voice Within’ as part the campaign.

 The ‘Voice Within’ demonstrates how the disability caused by stroke impacts on entire families.

The National Stroke Foundation says that ‘Face, Arm, Speech, Time’ to act FAST is an easy way to remember the signs of stroke. 

Facial weakness, arm weakness, speech difficulties are key signs of stroke. Recognising any one of these signs and calling 000 could mean the difference between death or severe disability and recovery.

Using the FAST test involves asking three simple questions:

•  Face – Can the person smile, has their mouth or eyes drooped?
• Arms – Can the person raise both arms?
• Speech – Can the person speak clearly and understand what you say?
• Time – Act FAST and call 000.