The Trust will be hosting an event to mark “World Stroke Day” to raise awareness of the life-threatening condition.
The Stroke team will be giving free check-ups and advice to visitors on how to reduce the risks – and handing out free fruit to boot!
Speaking about the event on Monday (29 October), Lorena Chua, Stroke Coordinator for Stroke Services, said: “We’re delighted to mark World Stroke Day, an initiative organised by the World Stroke Organisation.
“This year, the campaign is focusing on “life after stroke”, but we will also be encouraging the public to adopt healthy lifestyles to help reduce their risk.
“Research has shown that excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and obesity have links to the condition.
“At the event, our team will be on site to speak to people about what they can do to live healthier lifestyles. Our nurses will give people a quick general check-up and provide them health advice.”
Janet Beardsmore, Advanced Neuro Physiotherapist, said: “We will also give out advice on active lifestyle and give people the opportunity to try out our therapy bike, which has been helping our stroke patients to recover and get stronger.
“We hope to talk to many people and raise more awareness around this condition.”
Stroke is the fourth biggest killer in the UK. There are more than 100,000 strokes in the UK each year. In the West Midlands, there were 85,122 patients who were admitted to hospital after suffering a stroke last year.
Dr Sissi Ispoglou, Speciality Lead, added: “In 2017, we treated more than 600 patients. We saw a high proportion of our patients with a history of high blood pressure, diabetes, lung conditions due to smoking, and irregular heartbeat. Research trials are under way about genetic causes for stroke.
“Stroke can happen to anyone at any age, and we have seen a rise in young stroke in recent years. We need to prevent the condition and one simple thing that everyone can all do is to adopt a healthy lifestyle.”
The event will take place in the main reception at Sandwell Hospital, between 11am to 1pm.
For more information about World Stroke Day, please visit https://www.worldstrokecampaign.org/
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