Sam Frost Australia's Biggest Blood Pressure Check Interview

Sam Frost Australia's Biggest Blood Pressure Check Interview

Blood pressure is the biggest risk factor for having a stroke and this April Priceline Pharmacy and the National Stroke Foundation are encouraging all Australian's to have a free blood pressure check at their nearest store with a goal of conducting 50,000 checks during the month.

This is the first campaign that Sam Frost and Sasha Mielczarek have worked on together as a couple, with this initiative having a very special meaning to them both. Each has a personal connection to stroke with Sam losing her stepfather three years ago and Sasha losing his grandfather.

Priceline Pharmacy prioritises health and identified a need for Australians to take better care of their health through unique research in i

ts Health Insights Report which revealed:
82% of Australians have low fruit and vegetable intake
62% are insufficiently active, and
obesity levels are worrying high with 38% of females and 31% of males are overweight or obese.

Interview with Sam Frost

Question: What inspired you to get involved in April Priceline Pharmacy Stroke campaign?

Sam Frost: I think that it's a really good cause, it sends a powerful message. I don't think people really understand what a stroke is. The lead up to getting a stroke is high blood pressure of course, so I think it's really important, I think it will get the conversation happening and people will be more aware of the signs and symptoms of a stroke.

Question: How do you hope to raise awareness for the National Stroke Foundation?

 

Sam Frost: Through being an ambassador for Priceline Pharmacy, as they have teamed up with the Stroke Foundation, and I think through the work Priceline Pharmacy is doing to encourage people to have their blood pressure checked during April (until May 4) will help put the spotlight on stroke and the risks associated with high blood pressure.

Question: Are you aware of the risk factors associated with strokes; can you share these, with us?

Sam Frost: As well as high blood pressure, the risk factors for stroke include being overweight, not getting enough exercise, not eating healthy food, smoking, excess alcohol consumption – Priceline Pharmacy have done some research around this showing that Australian's are putting themselves at risk of stroke through poor health habits.

Note: The Priceline Pharmacy Health Insights Report has revealed 82% of Australians have low fruit and vegetable intake, 62% are insufficiently active, and obesity levels are worrying high with 38% of females and 31% of males are overweight or obese.

Question: You've joined the campaign along with Sasha; has this bought you two, closer?

Sam Frost: It's really nice working together, it's the first time we have worked on a campaign together (Sam and Sasha give high five). It's been great, and stroke is a cause really close to both our hearts so it's great to be a part of the Priceline Pharmacy campaign and we are both on the same page when it comes to stroke.


Question: How often do you check your own blood pressure?

Sam Frost: Once every 12 months, I get it done when I have my annual check-up.


Question: What advice do you have for Australians during the month of April?

Sam Frost: Go into your nearest Priceline Pharmacy and have your blood pressure checked! Priceline Pharmacy stores are easily accessible and it doesn't take long to have a quick blood pressure check.


Question: You recently limited your alcohol consumption; have you made any other changes to benefit your health and reduce your risk of stroke?

Sam Frost: Now that we have a new dog Rocky I always take him out for a walk, I think it's good to be active and just do something, you don't have to go a gruelling 60 minute workout at the gym. Even if it's just a walk with girlfriends, something to get the blood flowing, I think it's even good for mental welfare as well. I also try to pre-prepare as many meals as I can to take them into work because with such a busy schedule it's hard to eat healthy, but if you just take the time to pre-prepare it makes it a lot easier.


Interview by Brooke Hunter