President John Hibben of the Rotary Club of Warwick has made the Stroke Association one of his charities for the year and invited Ruth Tandy, their Community and Events Manager to tell members about their work and how to recognise if you are at risk.
Ruth said that whilst the numbers of people affected has been falling, Stroke still occurs over 100,000 times a year in the UK, it is the 4th highest cause of death, and one of the largest causes of disability.
A stroke is a brain attack which happens when the blood supply to the brain is cut off, caused by a clot or bleeding in the brain. Improved treatments mean that there are over 1.2 million stroke survivors in the UK living with the effects of a stroke.
High risk factors include heavy drinking, smoking, inactivity, high cholesterol, HRT, and high blood pressure and affects all ages. The FAST test is well publicised: if someone demonstrates Facial weakness; Arm stiffness; Speech problems; Then dial 999.
Estimates suggest there could be 6.8 million people with undiagnosed high blood pressure who are at risk, often without symptoms. They advise people to have a regular blood pressure test, which can be done at your local chemist. Prevention is better than a cure and if identified early it can be easily treated
For many years Rotary Clubs across the country have organised a “Know Your Own Blood Pressure Day” in partnership with the Stroke Association, Warwick was one of 320 clubs which participated and in April had a caravan in Market Square checking passers by.
The Stroke Association supports survivors with stroke clubs, a helpline, leaflets and a support service, helping 20,000 people a year. If you want advice contact their Helpline on 0303 3033 100.
Thanking Ruth for her presentation Rotarian David Brain said many members have personal experience of how devastating a stroke can be. The club will be holding a bucket collection at Warwick Sainsbury on Saturday October 5th for the Presidents charities and hopes to be able to make a substantial donation to their work next June.
For more information about the Stroke Association click here to visit their web site
President John Hibben welcomes Ruth Tandy