She has made a good recovery but people are often shocked to learn she had a stroke as she explains that a hole in the heart was the cause. The former Sefton High School student says one in five are born with a hole in the heart but most are harmless although can lead to a stroke.
Grateful to be alive and kicking, Cindy is raising awareness that stroke can happen at all ages by taking part in November’s annual physical activity fundraiser, Stride4Stroke, which follows Stroke Foundation’s 25-year anniversary this month.
“I’m aiming to walk and run 250,000 steps in November because it’s vital to raise awareness about the importance of physical activity in preventing stroke,” she said.
“The focus this year is on increasing ‘moving minutes’ which is an achievable goal for everyone whether they are walking, running cycling, doing online fitness classes or setting a movement target in stroke recovery.
“Research tells us 30 minutes of exercise five times a week can reduce your stroke risk by 25 percent.”
Stroke Foundation provides access to a range of services for people impacted by stroke, with F.A.S.T knowledge crucial if you suspect someone has had a stroke.
Thinking F.A.S.T involves: Face – check their face, has their mouth drooped; Arms – can they lift both arms; Speech – is their speech slurred; and Time – is critical, if you see any of these signs, call triple zero (000).
To register to take part or donate to Cindy’s fundraising efforts, go to stride4stroke.org.au.
