Stroke Awareness Month

The Stroke Association has designated May as their annual stroke awareness month. They aim to increase the awareness of stroke, stroke prevention and treatment, and to raise funds for much-needed research into this condition and support for stroke survivors.

What is a Stroke?

It is always a good idea to refresh your knowledge, even if we are very familiar with a particular element of care. So the following information is a brief refresher on Stroke and Stroke prevention.

A stroke is a brain attack. It happens when the blood supply to part of your brain is cut off. It can be caused by:

• A blockage (an ischaemic stroke), or
• A bleed (a haemorrhagic stroke). Blood carries essential nutrients and oxygen to your brain so it can work properly.

Without blood, your brain cells can be damaged or destroyed and they won’t be able to do their job. Because your brain controls everything you do, feel, think and remember, a stroke can affect these abilities.

What are the signs and symptoms that you or someone you know is having a stroke?

• Dropping eyes, mouth, arms, legs
• Blurred vision
• Slurred speech
• Confusion
• Weakness, numbness or paralysis
• Loss of consciousness
• Dizziness
• Sudden severe headache
  Please note that not everyone will experience the same or show signs of all symptoms.

F.A.S.T.
F.A.S.T. This is a quick and effective way of remembering what to do if you suspect that someone is having a stroke.

• Act FAST. Call 999.
• F – Facial weakness. Can the person smile?
• A –Arm weakness. Can the person raise both arms?
• S – Speech problems. Can the person speak clearly?
• T – Time to call 999 if they have any of these signs.

The quicker a person having a stroke receives medical attention the better their chances are. The first 3 hours following the first signs of a stroke are crucial so acting FAST and getting help is a priority.

What can you do to prevent a having a stroke?

The majority of Strokes are preventable. There are lifestyle decisions that we all make that can influence or increase our risk of having a stroke. Not all Strokes are preventable but that is no reason not to make changes in our lifestyles to reduce the likelihood of it happening to us.

Here are seven things you can do to reduce your own risk and our client’s risk of Stroke:

1. Manage your medical conditions. 

If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, a heart condition or high blood pressure, it is important to follow the medical advice given to you. Taking your medication as prescribed, reporting any changes and looking after your health.

2. Stop smoking.

There are lots of advice and support out there to help, even cutting down will help, but stopping all together reduces the risk of Stroke significantly. .

3. Drink less alcohol.

Have at least 3 alcohol-free days a week. Choose drinks with a lower alcohol percentage. Mix your drinks with sparkling water or other soft drink. Alternate your drinks with a soft drink or water. Click here for more information.

4. Maintain a healthy weight.

Find out what your ideal weight should be, given your build and height, and aim to get to that weight and stick to it!

5. Do more exercise.

Use the stairs rather than the lift, walk to the further bus stop than the one you usually catch. Or try walking briskly for 30 minutes 3 times a week, these are all small and easy to maintain changes that will greatly improve your fitness. Click here for more information.

6. Eat a healthy diet.

Eat your 5-10 portions a day of fruit and veg, increase your amount of lean protein and cut down on saturated fats and added sugar and most importantly drink plenty of water.

And finally…

7. Reduce your stress levels.

Find an activity that relaxes you and spend some time each day doing this. Relaxation/meditation/yoga, colouring, walking, talking with friends, seeking help when you feel you are not coping.