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Download the Stroke Riskometer app for free www.strokeriskometer.com Visit the PreventS-MD website at prevents-md.com He believes that the earlier the tool is used, the better. “We’re aiming to create a preventive ecosystem,” he says. “It could be used by anyone at any age, and any risk. You don’t need to wait until the risk becomes high and more difficult to manage.” The research findings from this two-year study will be critical in understanding the gaps in current prevention strategies and the effectiveness of existing healthcare interventions. Valery elaborates: “We plan to conduct a thorough evaluation of how strokes are currently being prevented, comparing practices from 10 years ago to today, both for individuals who have never had a stroke and those who are undergoing post-stroke care.” He believes this could inform future policy regarding the targeted deployment of healthcare resources. “We’re not doing well, and we need to know why.” Valery’s initiative is a testament to the importance of culturally-informed healthcare in an increasingly multicultural society. He hopes it will pave the way for more equitable health outcomes across all demographics in New Zealand. “This isn't just a tool; it's a proactive step towards changing behaviour around health and stroke prevention,” he says. “In the end, it’s about giving people the power to safeguard their health.” Valery Feigin and Michael Kravchenko Headlines 9