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:

• Irregular heart beat (PDF)
• TIA (PDF)
• High cholesterol (PDF)
• High blood pressure (PDF)
• Understand and prevent stroke (PDF)
• Know the signs of stroke (PDF)
  

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

Facial weakness - Check their face.  Has their mouth drooped?
Arm weakness - Can they lift both arms?
Speech difficulty - Is their speech slurred?  Do they understand you?
Time is critical.  If you see any of these signs call 000 now!

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