Every year, over 100,000 people are diagnosed with stroke in the UK.

World Stroke Day 2023 takes place on Sunday 29 October and local health partners are using the day to raise awareness of how some simple lifestyle changes can be made in order to reduce personal risk.

Know your numbers

If your blood pressure is too high, it puts extra strain on your blood vessels, heart and other organs, such as the brain, kidneys and eyes.

The only way of knowing whether you have high blood pressure is to have a blood pressure test. All adults over 40 years old are advised to have their blood pressure checked at least every 5 years.

Getting this done is easy and could save your life.

To find out where you can get your blood pressure checked, visit www.nhsdorset.nhs.uk/bloodpressure.

Get active and stay active

Regular exercise can help lower your cholesterol and keep your blood pressure healthy.

For most people, at least 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes) of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, such as cycling or fast walking, every week is recommended.

Find out more at www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/.

Healthy diet

Ensuring a balance in your diet is important.

An unhealthy diet can increase your chances of having a stroke because it may lead to an increase in your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. A low-fat, high-fibre diet is usually recommended, including plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables (5 A Day) and wholegrains.

Think about your drinking, excessive alcohol consumption can lead to high blood pressure and trigger an irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation), both of which can increase your risk of having a stroke.

Stop smoking

Healthcare services in Dorset offer a variety of choices that can help people successfully stop-smoking.

There is lots of support available in Dorset to stop smoking both in person and virtually via the NHS Quit Smoking app. When you get local support with professional help, you’re chances of quitting successfully are much higher.

If you want to give up, take the first step by visiting www.livewelldorset.co.uk.

NHS Health Checks

Some eligible residents may get invited by their GP or pharmacy to attend an NHS Health Check. The check is an overall check on your cardiovascular health.

To be eligible you need to be:

  • Aged 40-74
  • Have not had an NHS Health Check in the last 5 years
  • Have not got kidney disease, heart disease, diabetes or had a stroke.

The check is free and can help spot early signs of serious illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease and stroke.

If you are eligible and get invited by your GP or pharmacy, please make an appointment.

For more information visit: www.publichealthdorset.org.uk/nhs-health-check

LiveWell Dorset is supporting this important work with a new mobile service offering NHS Health Checks direct to local communities and workplaces, targeting people who are most at risk of developing these health conditions.

Check your eligibility and find your nearest NHS Health Check by visiting: www.livewelldorset.co.uk/healthcare-professionals/nhs-health-checks/

Dr Ben Oxley, GP Partner at the Adam Practice said “Stroke affects over 100,000 people every year in the UK, but your risk can be significantly reduced by adopting and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

“Simple lifestyle changes that we can all make will reduce your risk of a stroke – This includes stopping smoking, reducing harmful use of alcohol, losing weight and being more active.  Our local health services are here to help. We can work together with our patients to reduce your risk and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

“Getting your blood pressure checked is important. I would ask anyone living in Dorset who has not recently had theirs done, especially if they are over 40, to call into their practice or local pharmacy and get your blood pressure and pulse checked.  It could save your life.”

For more information visit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stroke/prevention/.