Walk “Every Minute Counts”

The Municipality of Lagoa, in partnership with the Stroke Unit of Portimão, is promoting the walk “Every Minute Counts” on 8 November, starting at 08:45, at the Carlos do Carmo Auditorium, as part of the World Stroke Day celebrations. Participation is free.

In celebration of World Stroke Day, marked on 29 October, this initiative aims to raise awareness of the importance of prevention, identification, and control of risk factors associated with strokes, encouraging the adoption of healthy lifestyles and regular physical activity.

Under the motto “Every Minute Counts”, the initiative also seeks to alert people to recognise the signs and symptoms of a stroke, emphasising the importance of contacting 112 immediately upon suspicion, as a quick response can make all the difference.

The activity will include screenings for stroke risk factors, an awareness and clarification session, and a walk of approximately 4 km, promoting health, well-being, and the adoption of active lifestyles.

The initiative is aimed at the entire population, with special attention to those who have suffered a stroke, seeking to raise community awareness about preventing this disease and demonstrating the importance of supporting affected individuals.

Programme:

• 08:45 – Reception of participants and start of stroke risk factor screenings;
• 09:45 – Awareness and clarification session on strokes, led by Nurse Álvaro Silva from the Portimão Stroke Unit;
• 09:55 – Warm-up for the walk;
• 10:00 – Start of the walk, accompanied by Sports Services technicians.

Registration is free and can be done through the Sports Services Secretary of the Municipality of Lagoa, by phone at 282 380 437, or in person on the day and location of the activity, starting at 08:45.

As this initiative also promotes sustainability, participants are encouraged to bring their own water bottle.

The walk is part of a series of awareness initiatives promoted for World Stroke Day, involving the Stroke Unit of Portimão Hospital of ULS Algarve, the Portuguese Society of Stroke (SPAVC), and Portugal AVC – Union of Survivors, Families, and Friends.

Join this initiative and contribute to a more informed, active community aware of the importance of stroke prevention. Every minute counts!