We work very hard here at the Stroke Foundation to raise awareness of the signs of stroke and the importance of calling 000 (triple zero) immediately if you think you, or someone you are with, is having a stroke.

Our FAST campaign uses the acronym FAST to help people remember and recognise key signs of stroke. So when we hear stories of how the FAST campaign has helped everyday Australians like Kim Durose, we are inspired to know that the work we are doing is making a difference.

The best way to educate even more people - and save more lives - is to let everyone know about these personal stories.

So we would like to know your story. Has knowing the signs of stroke or the FAST test saved your life or the life of someone you know? Were you able to think F.A.S.T. and act FAST? Email Strokeweek@strokefoundation.com.au to tell us your story of recognising the signs of stroke.

If you are thinking of takeaway pizza for dinner tonight perhaps you should think again.

A new analysis has revealed that 94% of pizzas sold in Australia are overloaded with salt.

Salt is a leading cause of high blood pressure, and high blood pressure is a major risk factor for stroke.

Just three slices of takeaway pizza can contain the entire daily salt intake for an adult, which is 4 grams a day.

More than two thirds of takeaway pizzas contained double the daily recommended amount of salt for an adult and four takeaway pizzas contained as much as three times.

The worst offender was… drum roll please…Pizza Hut’s BBQ Meat Lovers, which provided 327%  of an adult’s recommended daily amount of salt (13 grams).

Remember to check out the label for the sodium content when buying food and thanks to AWASH - Australian Division of World Action on Salt and Health for these tips on how to cut down your salt intake when eating out:

 
1. When ordering pizza, choose vegetable or chicken toppings instead of pepperoni, bacon, or extra cheese.

2. When buying ready to eat packaged foods, choose low-salt options: compare products to find the one lowest in sodium using the per 100g column on the Nutrition Information Panel.

3. Limit fast foods such as burgers, fried chicken and pizza.

4. Keep healthy snacks such as dried fruit & nuts or fresh fruit at hand.

5. When dining out at a restaurant, ask for sauces and other condiments to be served on the side rather than on the meal.

6. Don’t add salt to your food at the table when dining out.

7. Avoid ordering dishes that contain high salt ingredients including Asian sauces, cured meats and cheeses.

8. Don’t be afraid to ask the restaurant or take-away food outlet about the salt content of their meals and ask them not to salt the fries!

We are inspired everday by stories of faith, hope and courage from stroke survivors. This year we are encouraging everyone who has been touched by stroke to share their message with us for Stroke of Art 2009.

In previous years, we’ve invited stroke survivors to share their artistic talent for Stroke of Art, now we’re asking for words of inspiration.

The messages, along with artworks by three stroke survivors on theme of faith, hope and courage will be exhibited at NSW Parliament House from 3-28 August.

Judi Halliday, National Stroke Foundation Ambassador and one of the artists explains the inspiration behind her artwork, Hope.

“The journey since my stroke 14 years ago has been incredibly hard, it took a long time but at last, I’m back.  Through my stroke, I had lost the most important people in my life – my two little children – now, 14 years on, they are re-united and living with me. I have a second chance of happiness. In the painting, my son and daughter’s faces are held in my hands. My earlier painting is also shown to reflect my mood of pain, loss and hopelessness. That is in the past, yet I have captured it in the painting to acknowledge how hope has guided me from there to here.  In my heart, I have so much happiness. This painting is about hope. I want to live my life to the fullest.”

To share your message click here