Primary schoolchildren are being encouraged to be lifesavers by participating in an award winning educational campaign hosted by the Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa.
Parents and teachers can now register learners to participate in the free, fun and interactive FAST Heroes programme, a world-renowned award winning educational initiative that actively harnesses children’s innate enthusiasm through stories by illustrating superhero grandparents that help identify the most common symptoms of stroke.
Considering a large number of South African children spend ample time with their grandparents who are often their primary caregivers – and are most at risk – this initiative comes at an important time.
According to the World Stroke Organisation, a stroke is the second leading cause of death in the world and the third leading cause of disability, and the tragedy is that about 80% of these deaths or disabilities can be prevented if treated timeously. In SA, heart disease and strokes are associated with a high burden of disease with a substantial death rate.
According to Statistics SA, death from cardiovascular diseases are the highest of all non-communicable diseases, which include diabetes, cancer, respiratory disorders and others.
The FAST Heroes campaign teaches children to recognise the three most common stroke symptoms when “the evil Clot” strikes: a face that suddenly droops to one side, an arm that suddenly becomes weak and speech that is slurred, or “broken”.
Learners who participate in the programme, which comprises five lessons, undergo weekly simulation and repetition to learn the essential life skill of staying calm and knowing how to call an ambulance immediately by dialling 112 on any mobile device.
All material to participate in the fun, interactive FAST Heroes programme is free to all registered schools countrywide. Registration for schools, teachers and learners can be completed online at fastheroes.com and closes on Friday 24 March.
