Are you familiar with the hiss, hiss, hiss of the blood pressure machine; the constricting of the band round your arm; the pulsing of your blood; then the long sigh when it's released?If you are, you could be one step closer to preventing yourself from having a stroke.
High blood pressure is the single biggest risk factor and 40% of strokes could be cut if more people had their blood pressure checked regularly. Easy!
The other aspect of preventing strokes - the living a healthy lifestyle bit - isn't so easy but it's definitely do-able.
As we launch ourselves into mince pie and brandy butter season, it probably isn't the best time for me to be preaching about eating a balanced diet, drinking alcohol in moderation and taking regular exercise, but in the new year, when you're nursing a hangover and the goose has been both literally and metaphorically cooked, then consider these wise words! Less junk. Less booze. More exercise. Just call me the Minister of Fun!
When you see the stoke statistics though, you know the efforts to lead a healthy life are all worth it. Strokes are the third biggest killer and the leading cause of severe disability in the UK. In Edmonton alone, the Stroke Association estimates that around 1,800 people are living with the after effects of strokes.
It's also worth remembering the clear "FAST" message that I'm sure you've all seen in the hard-hitting adverts.
Facial weakness
Arm weakness
Speech problems
Time to call 999 if any symptoms are present
So instead of dangling mistletoe over a colleague's head at the office Christmas party, go and get friendly with the blood pressure machine. It could save your life.
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