BALANCE
Is there any sudden loss of balance?
EYES
Is there any sudden vision change?
FACE
Has their mouth drooped?
ARMS
Can they lift both arms?
SPEECH
Is their speech slurred?
TIME
Time is critical.
CALL 999 and get to a hospital FAST!
1 IN 4 OF US
will have a stroke in our lifetime, but most strokes can be prevented with a few simple steps. Here are the top tips that help to reduce the risk of stroke.
Control high blood pressure
Half of all strokes are linked to hypertension. Knowing your blood pressure and controlling it with lifestyle changes or medication will reduce your risk of stroke.
Exercise 5 times per week
Over a third of all strokes happen to people who don’t get enough exercise – 30-20 minutes of moderate exercise five times per week will reduce your stroke risk.
Eat a healthy balanced diet
Almost a quarter of all strokes are linked to poor diet. Eating a diet high in fresh fruit and vegetables whilst reducing consumption of processed food will reduce your risk of a stroke.
Reduce your cholesterol
More than 1 in 4 strokes are linked to high levels of ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol. Eating low saturated fats, avoiding processed food and exercise will help to reduce your risk. If you can’t maintain a healthy cholesterol level with lifestyle changes, your doctor may advise medication to help.
Maintain a healthy weight
Almost 1 in 5 strokes are linked to being overweight or obese. Maintaining a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI) or Hip to Waist Ratio will aid in reducing the risk of stroke.
Stop smoking and avoid smoky environments
Almost 1 in 10 strokes are linked to smoking. Stopping smoking will reduce your risk of stroke and the risks of people who live around you. Getting help to quit increases your chances of success.
Reduce your intake of Alcohol
Over 1M strokes each year are linked to excessive alcohol consumption. If you drink, keep to a limit of 1-2 units of alcohol a day.
Identify and treat atrial fibrillation
People with AF are 5x more likely to have strokes than the general population. If you are over 50, talk to your doctor about AF screening and if you have AF discuss treatments that will reduce your risk.
Manage diabetes
If you are diabetic you are at higher risk of strokes, so it is vital to manage your blood glucose levels through diet and exercise, depending on the type of diabetes, with medication if necessary. If you have diabetes, talk to your doctor about how to reduce your stroke risk.
Manage stress and depression
Almost 1 in 6 strokes are linked to mental well-being. To reduce the risk of stroke, it is essential to manage stress, depression, anger and anxiety. There is no shame in seeking therapy, or if necessary, prescribed medication to manage your mental well-being. For a healthy body, you need a healthy mind.
