Macquarie Life is supporting the National Stroke Foundation to raise awareness of stroke risk through sponsorship of the Stroke Solidarity String across Australia.
As part of the campaign, the National Stroke Foundation and Macquarie Life are calling on advisers to help their clients understand stroke risk and the importance of taking steps to be financially protected.
Macquarie Life’s Head of Underwriting and Claims, Dr Sally Phillips, has seen the financial impacts of stroke in practice and she believes advisers can play an important role in educating clients on how to financially safeguard themselves against major health events.
“While we sometimes think about the physical and emotional effects of a serious illness on our lives or our family, we don’t always think about the financial impact until it is too late,’’ Dr Phillips said.
“It is important that, as a community, we build awareness of stroke and educate on prevention, but also that advisers explain the wide-reaching financial considerations and encourage their clients to take precautions as part of the financial planning process.”
The cost of stroke per person varies widely and treatment costs can be considerable. For those that require some form of ongoing care, family members may need to give up work in order to look after them.
The Stroke Solidarity String is an indigo string worn on the wrist, symbolising the connection between all people touched by stroke, the flow of blood and the healthy function of the brain and body. To mark the launch of the Stroke Solidarity String on Wednesday 2 April, the National Stroke Foundation is also holding Australia’s Biggest Blood Pressure Check at sites around Australia.
Macquarie Banking and Financial Services Group 2 “Although this is the payout nobody ever wants to need, it is very important that stroke survivors and their families are able to focus on the critical aspects of care and recovery, without worrying about financial issues. It is therefore important for advisers to help ensure clients have the correct type and level of insurance in place to help safeguard against these issues,” said Dr Phillips.
National Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Dr Erin Lalor, said stroke is Australia’s second biggest cause of death, yet most people do not really understand what it is or how to prevent it.
“A stroke occurs every 10 minutes and one in six people will have a stroke in their lifetime, but there is not enough conversation about stroke and only half of us know the signs to look out for,” said Dr Lalor.
“High blood pressure is the highest and most modifiable risk factor so getting that checked is an excellent starting point, but follow that up with advice from your doctor on areas such as smoking, drinking and medical conditions like diabetes, heart issues or high cholesterol.
“We are asking the community to ‘unite to fight stroke’ by wearing a Stroke Solidarity String this April. It is the international symbol of stroke awareness.”
Stroke Solidarity Strings will be available to purchase at all Chemmart Pharmacies (during April) or at fightstroke.com.au. Australia’s Biggest Blood Pressure Check will take place on Wednesday 2 April, with free blood pressure checks to be provided at Chemmart Pharmacies nationally and key city sites. To find the blood pressure check closest to you, visit strokefoundation.com.au or chemmart.com.au
Stroke is a blood clot or bleed on the brain that starves brain cells of oxygen and causes part of the brain to die. Prompt medical attention is required to restore blood flow and prevent sections of the brain from dying and causing disabilities. In 2012, over 420,000 Australians were living with the effects of stroke and the number of survivors is set to grow to 709,000 by 2032.
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