Major drive to cut the risk of stroke

A MAJOR campaign to make people more aware of the devastating affects of strokes, and how to avoid having one is being launched across Oldham.

The Stroke Association is running a series of “Know Your Blood Pressure” events at pharmacies across Oldham over the next couple of weeks.

The move is in support of the national Act FAST campaign, and information about stroke symptoms and what to do to help someone who has a stroke will be available.

Trained health professionals will be on hand at the events, offering free blood pressure checks and advice on how to make simple lifestyle changes to reduce the risk.

The events are being run in partnership with The Stroke Association and NHS Oldham, including Oldham Community Health Services.

Everyone who attends an awareness event will get the chance to enter a free prize draw for a Nintendo Wii console, Wii fit and Wii sports game.

Neil Fallon, advanced practitioner with Oldham Community Health Services is helping to run the campaign.

He said: “The vital hours that immediately follow the first signs of a stroke and how quickly a person receives diagnosis and treatment can determine whether someone survives or whether they become disabled.

“Our work with The Stroke Association is crucial in helping local people reduce their own risk of stroke by reaching out to them and offering blood pressure checks and healthy living advice.”

Angela Walkden, regional manager for the Stroke Association in the North West, said: “A person may be at home with family, or at work, so it is vitally important that as many people as possible know what to look out for and act FAST,” she said.

FAST stands for:

Face — Has the face fallen on one side, can they smile.

Arms –— Can they raise both arms and keep them there?

Speech — Is it slurred?

Time to call 999 if you see anyone of these signs

Every five minutes someone in the UK has a stroke, and in Oldham, more than 4,150 people are living with the effects.

High blood pressure affects a third of men and women and is the biggest risk factor for stroke, but other risk factors include being overweight, smoking, an unhealthy diet, drinking too much alcohol and too little exercise.

You can also enter the Wii competition by visiting the website www.stroke.org.uk/winawii before May 31.



Get your pressure checked

AWARNESS events are being held at:

Lloyd’s Pharmacy, Lees Road, Oldham, tomorrow 9.30–11.30 am.

Strachan’s Chemist, 7 New Street Uppermill,tomorrow, 2.30 – 4.30 pm

ASDA Pharmacy, Chadderton, Thursday, 9.30–11.30am

Boots, Chadderton shopping precinct, Thursday, noon-2pm.

Tesco superstore, Oldham, Thursday, 2.30–4.30pm.

National Co-operative Chemists, Ashton Road, Oldham, Friday, 9.30 – 11.30 am.

United Norwest Health care, Market Square, Royton,

Friday, noon-2pm.

Yates Chemist, Hollins Road, Oldham, Friday, 2.30–4.30pm.

Lifestyle, Trent Road, High Crompton, Monday 9.30–11.30 am.

Dallas Chemist, Failsworth Precinct, Monday, noon-2pm.