WORLD STROKE DAY - 29TH OCTOBER 2014

Today is World Stroke Day and the emphasis this year is about women and stroke.

Stroke is the third leading cause of death in women in the U.K. and kills three times as many women as breast cancer.  Yet many women are still not aware of the risks.

Do YOU know what your Blood Pressure is, what the FAST test is or do you have regular blood tests?
If not - why not - get checked out soon and go to your G.P. for regular checks.

One in eight women in the UK wrongly believes that a stroke could never happen to them, according to the findings of a poll published today by The Stroke Association.

Around 30,000 women die from a stroke every year and the condition is the second biggest killer worldwide.

Strokes can hit you out of nowhere and rob you of your speech, your ability to walk, your memory, your independence and your dignity.

Regional Head of Operations in Yorkshire and the Humber at the Stroke Association, said: “It’s extremely worrying that most women don’t even have stroke on their radar. We know that women’s stroke risk significantly increases as they get older, and one in five women will have a stroke in their lifetime.

“This should serve as a wake-up call to women of all ages to be aware and better informed of the steps they can take to reduce their stroke risk. Simple lifestyle changes, such as keeping blood pressure under control, exercising regularly and stopping smoking, could significantly lower women’s likelihood of having a stroke"

Remember those vital regular checks and avoid potential months/years of recovery.

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

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.

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

Book of Short Stories to aid The Stroke Association

 Francis Brown's book is now on sale - a collection of work that he intended to be read only by his grandchildren.

Now published to raise money for The Stroke Association


http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/8351115.Short_stories_book_to_aid_The_Stroke_Association/

World Hypertension Day 18th May 2014

Saturday May 18th is World Hypertension Day. 

 

Did you know that high blood pressure, or hypertension, is the single largest risk factor for stroke that you can control? 

Why not bg along to a free drop-in Know Your Blood Pressure check, organised by Stroke Association and Rotary International, during Action on Stroke Month? 

 

Find your nearest event here:    http://strk.org.uk/1qIiHYS

Busy Spring and Fun Run

I'm back!  March, April and now May have been busy months and it should be time to try and have a little rest before we go off to visit family in London and also the Chelsea Flower Show.

I have continued to try and keep attending the Chairobics class, but the infection that I had around February left me very debilitated and so I had to temporarily suspend these sessions. If I get poorly I have to firstly recover and get better and then move up a second gear to get to where I was previously, in effect working twice as hard to recover. This is somewhat frustrating, but I have learnt that it is all part of how I now am after the stroke.

March was the month for the annual cricket club trip and this year it was to Ljubljana, Slovenia. The party was large this year with 30 people, so I had plenty of minders!
Three day trips had been included and the country did not disappoint, stunning scenery, friendly people and very clean. The weather was glorious, sunny and warm all week and a one local informed us was "freak" for the time of year.
We visited Lake Bled, Piran & Portoroz and Postojnska Caves, the remainder of the time was spent discovering Ljubljana. A trip which was very memorable. On our last day I was helped to the top of the tower at Ljubljana Castle, which was accessed by a spiral staircase. This proved to be a step too far and I heard a cracking sound, unfortunately I had damaged one of my knees, which required treatment on our return.

Lake Bled

 

Portoroz

Ljubljana

Favourite Street

 

 The statue was covered one day when it was a Bank Holiday - possibly a Holy Day - we are not sure.

During April I hosted my annual coffee morning for Stroke, the support was incredible this year and the money that was raised went directly to assist the running of local Stroke support groups.

The, last Sunday, 4 days ago, I took part in our local Fun Run.  The idea started off as a personal challenge to myself, but people said that I should consider being sponsored. A friend offered to walk with me as did my husband. So the day arrived and I was pleased that I could take part and raise the awareness of Stroke in the Stroke Association's "Action on Stroke" month.

In the garden - Pre-Race

 I had a lot of support during the run and it was quite funny that when I was on my outward stretch the first runners were passing us on their way back, but the youngsters were big hearted in their encouragement. The weather was good during the run, sunny but not too hot and this was welcome after standing on the start line in a very heavy rain shower.

I use the word run - but I actually walked the 2.5miles course in just slightly over one hour.
When we reached the last Marshall she escorted us back to the school field and had even arranged for the man on the P.A. to mention that I had arrived. People were clapping on the last stretch and I was overjoyed that I had finished. Even yougsters were standing at the "crowd barrier" clapping and shouting "Well done".

Entering the field on our way back

Getting nearer the end line

And nearer . . 

Hurrah!  (Husband and friend let me finish before them!)

My running shoes are now hung up! I have been totally overwhelmed and humbled by the level of support that I have received. The donations that have been received means that the Stroke Association can carry on their research into prevention, treatment and better methods of rehabilitation and also assist stroke patients annd their families.

What began as an idea gathered momentum and I have been lucky to have been able to have taken part and raised the awareness of Stroke. I have had to learn to walk again and after almost 5 years my recovery is still continuing. I still have some way to go yet, but with determination and focus who knows what can  be achieved.