One small change to reduce risk of stroke

A NEW survey by the Stroke Association shows that 45% of people in the East Midlands don’t know that high blood pressure is the biggest risk factor for stroke, one of the leading causes of death and disability in the UK.

This is really worrying because over 1,660,000 people in the Midlands have high blood pressure.

Smoking, drinking alcohol, being physically inactive and sitting for long periods can contribute to high blood pressure, diabetes, and being an unhealthy weight, all of which increase your risk of stroke. You can start to reduce your risk of stroke by making small changes to your lifestyle.

To launch the first ever national Stroke Prevention Day on January 14, we’ve worked with our partners at the Rotary Club, LoSalt and OMRON to help you make #OneSmallChange to reduce your risk of stroke.

It’s often easiest to start off small and pick something that’s achievable for you.

This may be swapping your afterwork alcoholic drink for a soft one, getting up and moving regularly during the day, cutting down on salt or sugar, or joining an online exercise group.

Just go to our website www. stroke.org.uk/PreventionDay and receive tailored advice plus monthly emails with hints and tips

We’d like you to pledge to make the change for three months, then let us know how you get on and how you found ways of sticking to your pledge.

The things you tell us will help others across the UK to reduce their risk of stroke and lead a healthier lifestyle in 2021.

Juliet Bouverie, The Stroke

Association