The Stroke Association
Stroke – the facts
A stroke is a brain attack. It happens when the blood supply to part of your brain is cut off and brain cells are damaged or die, caused by a clot or bleeding in the brain
Stroke can be identified by using FAST:
FACIAL weakness: Can the person smile? Has their mouth or eye drooped?
ARM weakness: Can the person raise both arms?
SPEECH problems: Can they speak clearly and understand what you say?
TIME to call 999
Every year an estimated 152,000 people in the UK have a stroke
There are around 1.2 million people in the country living with the effects of stroke
Stroke is one of greatest health challenges of our time. It is the third biggest killer after heart disease and cancer and the leading cause of adult disability in the UK
It costs the UK over £8.2 billion every year
Stroke can affect anyone, regardless of age. Around a third of all strokes happen to people under the age of 65, and around 400 children (0-18) have a stroke each year
There are many factors that can increase your risk of stroke
High blood pressure is the biggest, and 40 per cent of strokes could be avoided if high blood pressure was controlled. When was the last time you got your parent had their blood pressure checked?
Everyone can reduce their risk of stroke by eating a healthy balanced diet, stopping smoking and exercising regularly
The Stroke Association
Stroke Association is the major stroke charity in the UK, changing the world for people affected by stroke
They believe in life after stroke and campaign to improve stroke care, increase awareness and support people to make the best recovery they can
They also fund research to come up with new treatments and ways of preventing stroke
The Stroke Helpline and Information Service is here to help
The Stroke Association provide high quality, up-to-date stroke information for stroke patients, their families and carers
If you or your parent has been affected by a stroke in any way, you may have many questions about what has happened and what is likely to happen in the future
Contact the team by phoning 0303 3033 100 (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm), or by emailing [email protected]
If your parent has had a stroke or you know someone who has, The Stroke Association can help you every step of the way with a range of Life After Stroke Services that can help your parent cope with the aftermath of stroke and support them as they work towards rebuilding their life
The Stroke Association also fund world-class research to increase our knowledge of prevention and treating stroke. Their research programme is totally funded by voluntary donations and they need your support to continue this vital work and save lives
They campaign to improve the lives of all of those touched by stroke. Having a stroke is bad enough, but being written off is worse. Their Life After Stroke Campaign highlights the everyday difficulties that stroke survivors and their families face and what needs to change to ensure survivors are supported to make their best possible recovery
Visit www.stroke.org.uk/campaigns to see how you can support the campaign
Join the stroke community, where your elderly relative can talk to stroke survivors and their families, keep up to date on news and find out ways to get involved by visiting our website www.stroke.org.uk,
