Stroke Aotearoa New Zealand is urging Kiwis to take stroke seriously at every age this Stroke Awareness Month, with nearly one-third of strokes experienced by people under-65.

About 25 New Zealanders experience a stroke every day, making it the second leading cause of death in Aotearoa and a leading cause of adult disability.

Surprisingly, up to 90% of strokes are preventable, with high blood pressure remaining the number one modifiable risk factor.

Stroke Aotearoa chief executive Jo Lambert said many people wrongly believe stroke only affects the elderly.

“Stroke can happen to anyone, at any age, and we are seeing far too many New Zealanders in their 30s, 40s and 50s having their lives turned upside down,” Lambert said.

“The encouraging thing is that many strokes are preventable. Managing high blood pressure and taking small steps towards healthier living can dramatically reduce your risk.”

High blood pressure can be caused by a range of factors including smoking, diets high in salt, excessive alcohol consumption, lack of exercise, diabetes, and being overweight.

Lambert said cost, access and awareness barriers meant that many people were not having their blood pressure checked regularly enough.

“To combat this, we provide free community blood pressure and pulse checks across the motu. We want to remove barriers and educate people to understand their risk before a stroke happens.”

For father Jamie Summers, stroke became a reality when he was 39 and in the midst of raising a young family with his wife Sarah. “One minute I was living a busy, normal life with my wife and baby and the next everything changed,” Summers said.

Jamie Summers was in the midst of raising a young family with his wife Sarah when he had a stroke at age 39. Photo / Supplied

Now serving on the Stroke Aotearoa Board, Summers is passionate about raising awareness that stroke is not just an older person’s issue.

“Recovery can be physically, emotionally and financially exhausting, and without the support of Stroke Aotearoa, it would have been incredibly difficult for our family to navigate.”

Jamie Summers is in recovery after he had a stroke at age 39. Photo / Supplied

For Lambert, stroke is also deeply personal. She was 19 years old when her mother had a stroke and watched her father care for her for more than 30 years before he later died from a stroke himself.

“I know firsthand the ripple effect stroke has on families, relationships and futures,” she said.

“That’s why Stroke Awareness Month is so important. We need New Zealanders to understand the risks, know the signs and take action early.”

Stroke Aotearoa encourages people to remember F.A.S.T – which stands for Face drooping, Arms weakness; Speech difficulty; Take action – call 111 immediately.

“Recognising the signs quickly and acting fast can significantly reduce the severity and long-term impacts of stroke,” Lambert said.

Throughout May, Stroke Aotearoa is encouraging Kiwis to support its work in prevention, advocacy, education and survivor support. To donate or learn more, visit: donate.stroke.org.nz