Stroke awareness Hannah Parrington Volunteering and Community Team- North East
Today we will talk about… • what is a stroke? • spotting the signs of a stroke • the effects of stroke • reducing your risk • what we do.
1.2 million stroke survivors
Stroke can happen to anyone
Amber’s story “I’d just finished my first year at university when I had a massive stroke.”
Stroke in the UK
Strokes are preventable • 90% of strokes worldwide could be prevented
We’re here to help • The number of stroke survivors in the UK is expected to double by 2035. • We’re the UK’s leading stroke charity. • We want to change the way people think about stroke.
What is a stroke? Bleed: 15% Blockage: 85%
TIA or mini-stroke
Do you know the FAST test?
Other signs of stroke • Sudden weakness or numbness on one side. • Difficulty finding words or speaking in clear sentences. • Sudden blurred vision or loss of sight in one or both eyes. • Sudden memory loss or confusion and dizziness, or a sudden fall. • A sudden, severe headache.
Impact of stroke “It was so scary. My brother had to sign a do-not-resuscitate order. It was terrifying for the whole family.”
Effects of stroke
Communication problems after stroke • 1 in 3 stroke survivors can be affected by aphasia • More than 350,000 people with aphasia in the UK • It doesn't affect intelligence
Helping someone with aphasia to communicate • Face them • Ask them what helps, for example drawing or gestures • Speak clearly and keep sentences short • Don’t interrupt
Mobility problems after stroke • 80% of stroke survivors experience problems with movement • Muscle weakness can affect balance and make moving around difficult.
Impact of stroke on family and friends • Stroke survivors may need ongoing support after hospital. • Family and friends may need to help with their care. • Being a carer can be challenging, so carers need support too.
The road to recovery With the right support, many stroke survivors make a good recovery The Stroke Association believe in life after stroke. We have: • over 280 support services • clubs and groups for stroke survivors and carers • Life After Stroke Grants • Stroke Helpline and My Stroke Guide Visit stroke.org.uk
Raising awareness of stroke • Everyone has a different risk of having a stroke • Know the risk factors which could affect you and take steps to reduce your risk of stroke.
Stroke risk factors Your lifestyle Family history and ethnicity A previous TIA or stroke Read our guide to Your age find out more about stroke risk factors
Stroke risk factors Some health problems raise your risk of a stroke. These include: • high blood pressure so get your blood pressure checked • atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat) • diabetes and pre-diabetes • high cholesterol.
Reducing your risk of stroke Eat a balanced diet Exercise Stop smoking Stay a healthy weight Cut down on alcohol
Amber’s life after stroke • Volunteer • Ambassador • Peer supporter • Campaigner • Life After Stroke Award winner “ Life is completely different since my stroke, but I’m not going to let it beat me.”
We’ve come so far… • More people are surviving stroke. • We’ve invested over £50 million in research, leading to advances in stroke care. • FAST campaign has increased awareness of stroke and it’s symptoms. • Our services support 57,000 people. • We’re working with NHS England on a new national plan for stroke in England.
…but there’s still more to do We’re not The number Stroke research 45% of all of people is massively stroke survivors reaching having strokes under-funded. feel abandoned everyone with for the first time after they leave the support we is increasing. hospital. currently offer.
We are the Stroke Association Practical and emotional support • Services, grants and groups Campaigning • For better stroke care Research • Prevention, treatment and rehabilitation
How you can help • Fundraise • Volunteer • Support our campaigns • Raise awareness • Join our Supporters’ Network • Share what you have learned today • Donate
What’s happening locally? • Your local services are in Middlesbrough, Stockton and Redcar. • Your local fundraising contact is Jo.Beverley@stroke.org.uk • If you’d like to volunteer, please get in touch with hannah.parrington@stroke.org.uk Keep in touch with us via: • Facebook: Stroke Association North East • Twitter : StrokeAssociationNE
Together we can conquer stroke Thank you for your time
For more information Helpline: 0303 3033 100 Website: stroke.org.uk
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