Workshops are being set up around Blackburn and Darwen to train people to recognise the signs and symptoms of stroke and TIA.
The sessions looks at myths and facts surrounding strokes and stresses the importance of acting quickly if you or someone you know is having a stroke.
Participants will also be advised as to what local services are available to help with the prevention and management of strokes and TIAs.
A stroke can be diagnosed by using ‘FAST’ – Facial weakness, Arm weakness, Speech problems, Time to call 999.
Each year an estimated 150,000 people in the UK have a stroke and it is the third biggest killer. It is also the leading cause of severe disability.
A stroke can happen to anyone at any time and 25 per cent of cases are aged under 65 years of age and around 1,000 of these cases are aged under 30.
A local health trainer will be on hand at the workshops to discuss ways that you can minimise risk factors associated with the cause of strokes by making changes to your lifestyle.
For those who attend the sessions, there will also be the opportunity to take a NHS health check.
The checks are open to people aged between 35 and 74 who have a GP in Blackburn with Darwen and have not already been diagnosed with heart disease, kidney disease or diabetes.
Dr. Malcolm Ridgway, Medical Director for Blackburn with Darwen’s NHS Care Trust Plus, said: “Strokes pose serious health risks to anyone who is effected and I urge people to respond as quick as possible if they think that they, or someone they’re with, is experiencing a stroke.
“A stroke happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is disrupted which causes parts of the brain to become damaged or destroyed. This could be because of a blood clot or a burst blood vessel.”
Of all people who suffer from a stroke, about a third are likely to die within the first 10 days, about a third are likely to make a recovery within one month and about a third are likely to be left disabled and needing rehabilitation.
Dr Ridgway added: “The statistics around strokes are quite startling. The workshops will be really valuable in helping people to recognise a stroke and then what to do.
“Many strokes can be treated with clot busting drugs, which reduce disability and mortality, but this has to be done very rapidly in hospital. Knowing the things to look out for and how to lower your own risk will help save lives in Blackburn with Darwen.”
Workshops will be held at:
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Shadsworth Neighbourhood centre: Tuesday, July 12 (11am-1pm)
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Tockholes Village Hall: Tuesday, July 19 (12pm-1pm)
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Belmont Village Hall: Thursday, July 21 (1pm-3pm)
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Mill Community Centre: Friday, July 22 (10am-12pm)
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Little Harwood CC: Friday July, 29 (1pm-3pm)
If you were interested in attending or hosting a stroke workshop please contact Healthy Communities Partnership Manager Caroline Holtom for more information.
Tel: 01254 694503
Caroline.holtom@blackburn.gov.uk
