Every six seconds, someone somewhere dies from a stroke. But just six easy changes can help reduce the risk.
The World Stroke Association’s campaign is designed to raise awareness of how to prevent strokes and show that survivors can make a full recovery with the right care and support.
Here’s all you need to know about strokes
First of all to prevent stroke:
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Know your personal risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes and high blood cholesterol.
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Be physically active and exercise regularly
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Avoid obesity by keeping to a healthy diet
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Limit alcohol
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Avoid smoking or get help to stop
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Learn the FAST warning signs of a stroke and act fast if someone has them
If you have a GP in Blackburn with Darwen and haven’t already been diagnosed with heart disease, kidney disease or diabetes, you can get a free health check which can pick up any risks. Call 0800 917 6072 for details of sessions and to book an appointment.
Don’t forget, if you live, work, study or have a GP in Blackburn with Darwen you can get a free beeZ card which gives you access to free leisure activities. See refreshbwd.com for details of activities and how to get a beeZ card.
FAST stands for face, arm, speech, time to call 999. If a patient’s face falls on one side, or they cannot lift both arms and keep them there, or they have slurred speech, call 999 quickly as time is of the essence in treating a stroke patient.
Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is hosting a stroke question and answer session on Twitter and Facebook on Friday October 28 between 12noon and 1pm. You can send questions to stroke specialists by emailing Stroke.Awareness@bfwhospitals.nhs.uk or log on to www.twitter.com/BlackpoolHosp or www.facebook.com/BlackpoolHospitals
Cumbria and Lancashire have recently launched an out of hours Telestroke thrombolysis service for all stroke patients across both regions which brings one of 15 stroke specialists to the patient’s bedside via a tv screen. Over 30 patients have been treated so far thanks to the new service.
