It is important to understand that stroke is preventable.  There are many factors that can increase your chance of having a stroke. Some of these, such as age, gender and a family history of stroke, cannot be controlled. However, there are a number of risk factors for stroke which you can control. Taking steps to control these risk factors can lower your chance of having a stroke.
 
You can reduce you risk of stroke by managing the following risk factors:

• Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA) (PDF)
  
• High Blood Pressure (PDF)
  
• High Cholesterol (PDF)
• Irregular Heart Beat (atrial fibrillation) (PDF)

Quitting smoking, limiting alcohol, eating healthy and being physically active will also reduce your chances of having a stroke.  Diabetes is also a risk factor so if you are diabetic, talk to your doctor.

FAST is an easy way for everyone to recognise the signs of stroke:

Facial weakness - can the person smile? Has their mouth or eye drooped?
Arm weakness - can the person raise both arms?
Speech difficulty - can the person speak clearly and understand what you say?
Time to act fast - call 000 immediately.

Recognising any of these signs and calling 000 immediately can be the difference between death or severe disability and making a good recovery.