Friday 19 September 2014

Stoptober 2014




You are twice as likely to have a stroke if you smoke.

Public Health England’s Stoptober campaign is back for its third year – encouraging the nation’s 8 million smokers to stop smoking for 28 days. If you can stop smoking for 28 days, you are five times more likely to quit for good. You will begin to experience financial, physical and health benefits including a better sense of taste and smell and a reduced risk of stroke, lung cancer and heart disease.

Are you in? Let us know if you’ll be taking part in the Stoptober challenge this October:http://strk.org.uk/1mlYOVR

Thursday 18 September 2014

Can I tell you about having a Stroke? A guide for friends, family and professionals


Stroke is a complex condition and it can be challenging to explain its physical and emotional effects, particularly to a younger audience. 

We've come across this book 'Can I tell you about having a stroke' which is designed to help explain the complex subject of stroke to a younger audience. It tells the story of Grandad Fred, who recently had a stroke. 

Professor Tony Rudd, national clinical director for stroke, says: “Stroke can be a terrifying experience for both the patient and the family. This wonderful little book explains everything clearly and will I am sure both educate and reassure families who have to live through a very difficult experience.” 

The book is available online now: http://strk.org.uk/1BJUjsR


In the book you: 
Meet Fred - a man who has had a stroke. Fred invites readers to learn about what it is like to have a stroke from his perspective, helping them to understand the challenges faced by someone who has had a stroke and the ways in which they might have to adapt their lifestyle. He also gives advice on how to offer support to someone who has had a stroke, from diagnosis through to rehabilitation.
With illustrations throughout, this useful book will be ideal for anyone who knows someone who has had a stroke, from child to adult. It will help readers to understand and explain what a stroke is and encourage open discussion among family members, carers and friends.

Tuesday 16 September 2014

Edwyn Collins of Orange Juice and the film of his recovery


In February 2005 Edwyn Collins suffered a stroke which left him struggling to walk and talk. Film-makers James Hall and Edward Lovelace filmed the former Orange Juice frontman's recovery, depicting his state of mind while he struggles to recover his playing ability.

The film had its world premiere at SXSW 2014.

It will be released on iTunes on 20th October and wil  be in UK cinemas from 7th November.

Here is the link:
http://www.theguardian.com/film/video/2014/sep/16/the-possibilities-are-endless-trailer-stroke-edwyn-collins-video