Look after your health to help prevent Stroke and think FAST

May is Stroke Awareness month and keeping active is one of the NHS’s recommendations for Stroke prevention.

With the summer in sight, warm days and light nights are a good time to think about getting active and increasing our exercise regimes, even by something simple such as getting more steps in.

The Stroke Association states that 100,000 people have strokes every year and that a Stroke will strike someone in the UK every 5 minutes. According to the NHS, the best way to help prevent Stroke is to:

• Eat a healthy diet
• Exercise regularly
• Avoid smoking too much
• Avoid drinking too much alcohol

While preventive measures can help to lower your risk, knowing the signs of Stroke is absolutely prudent as early detection and treatment can minimise the risk of permanent damage or death.

NHS guidance says that the main Stroke symptoms can be remembered with the word FAST:

• Face – the face may have dropped on one side, the person may not be able to smile, or their mouth or eye may have drooped
• Arms – the person may not be able to lift both arms and keep them there because of weakness or numbness in one arm
• Speech – speech may be slurred or garbled, or the person may not be able to talk at all despite appearing to be awake; they may also have problems understanding what you are saying
• Time – dial 999 immediately if you notice any signs or symptoms

Stroke is a medical emergency, so it is important to be aware of the guidance and act as quickly as possible. 

The effects of stroke can be life-changing. A serious stroke could cause someone to be completely dependent on others for their day-to-day needs. If you are unsure about the accuracy of the medical treatment you have received, our expert team is on hand to listen.

Get in touch by emailing law@jcpsolicitors.co.uk or calling 03333 209244 or speak with our 24/7 Live Chat Team.