A Grafton woman is on a mission to lower her stroke risk using pedal power. Mandy Bell, who also goes by 'Nanna on a Bike' made the $20 investment after a confronting conversation with her doctor two years ago.
"My doctor told me I was at risk of having a heart attack or a stroke. He said I needed to be moving my body regularly and eating more wisely," Mandy said.
"As a response to his advice, I went out and bought the bike. It's an old clunker with dodgy gears and a wobbly front wheel, but it works for me."
This month, Mandy is participating in Stroke Foundation's major annual fundraiser Stride4Stroke which encourages people to get moving to reduce their stroke risk, all while raising much needed funds to support survivors of stroke and their families, and to improve stroke treatment and care.
The physical activity fundraiser accommodates people of all ages and abilities, and sees people measure their time in 'moving minutes'.
"You don't have to run a marathon or swim one hundred laps. The secret to making yourself move is to start out slow," Mandy said.
"It doesn't matter what type of activity you do, just keep it simple and sustainable so that you enjoy it and remain motivated, because every step is a good step."
Around 140,000 survivors of stroke are living in New South Wales, and regional Australians are 17 per cent more likely to have a stroke than people in metropolitan areas.
Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Dr Lisa Murphy commended Mandy on her efforts.
"Mandy is setting a great example to the local community by not only promoting prevention by getting people outside and active, but also spreading the importance of learning the stroke signs which we know saves lives," Dr Murphy said.
"Keeping active is a great step in avoiding stroke. We know just 30 minutes of exercise five times a week
can lower your stroke risk by 25%.
"I thank Mandy for getting involved in Stride4Stroke and leading by example. Boosting your daily moving minutes can make a difference to prevent stroke and other chronic disease."
Stride4Stroke runs the entire month of November. Mandy is on a mission to raise $1000, find out more.
