Heartbeat: Free check-ups and lifestyle advice to mark World Stroke Day
November 19, 2018
Visitors to our Trust on 29 October were treated to free health checks in support of World Stroke Day.
Our stroke team hosted the event to raise awareness of the life-threatening condition. Visitors received advice on how to reduce their risks of having a stroke with some free fruit thrown in to boot.
Speaking about the event, Lorena Chua, Stroke Coordinator for Stroke Services, said: “We were delighted to mark World Stroke Day, an initiative organised by the World Stroke Organisation.
“This year, the campaign focused on “life after stroke”, but we also encouraged the public to adopt healthy lifestyles to help reduce their risk.
“Research has shown that excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and obesity have links to the condition.
“At the event, our team spoke to people about what they can do to live healthier lifestyles. Our nurses also gave people a quick general check-up and provided them health advice.”
Janet Beardsmore, Advanced Neuro Physiotherapist, said: “We also gave out advice on active lifestyle and gave people the opportunity to try out our therapy bike, which has been helping our stroke patients to recover and get stronger.”
Stroke is the fourth biggest killer in the UK. There are more than 100,000 strokes in the UK each year. In the West Midlands, there were 85,122 patients who were admitted to hospital after suffering a stroke last year.
Dr Sissi Ispoglou, Speciality Lead added: “In 2017, we treated more than 600 patients. We saw a high proportion of our patients with a history of high blood pressure, diabetes, lung conditions due to smoking, and irregular heartbeat. Research trials are under way about genetic causes for stroke.
“Stroke can happen to anyone at any age, and we have seen a rise in young stroke in recent years. We need to prevent the condition and one simple thing that everyone can all do is to adopt a healthy lifestyle.”
Barend Jacobs, a radiographer who visited the stand on the day, said: “I found the event very helpful, especially the information about the food that we should eat to reduce the risk. As I had a mini stroke last year, this is really relevant to me and I’m glad to be at the event to talk to the stroke team about the condition.”