Reflections Training Academy STROKE AWARENESS EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY WEEKS 9 TH -20 TH NOVEMBER 2015!

Reflections Training Academy On 25 th of September Reflections staff held a coffee and cake morning to raise money for the Stroke Association….. We sold our homemade cakes and did hair services for donations which helped us to raise £269.15!!!

Reflections Training Academy It was a lot of fun for a great cause. But…. What is a stroke?

Reflections Training Academy A stroke is a brain attack. It happens when the blood supply to part of your brain is cut off. Blood carries essential nutrients and oxygen to your brain. Without blood your brain cells can be damaged or die. This damage can have different effects, depending on where it happens in your brain. It can affect the way your body works as well as how you think, feel and communicate. Are you at risk of stroke? Many people think that strokes only happen to older people but stroke can strike anyone at any time. Whilst most people who have a stroke are older, younger people can have strokes too, including children.children One in four strokes in the UK happen in people under the age of 65.people under the age of 65

Reflections Training Academy High blood pressure High blood pressure is one of the biggest risk factors for stroke. It is a contributing factor in 54% of strokes. What is it? Blood pressure is the measure of how strongly your blood presses against the walls of your arteries when it is pumped around your body. High blood pressure (also known as hypertension) develops when this pressure is consistently too high. Why does it increase your risk of stroke? High blood pressure puts a strain on all the blood vessels in your body, including the ones leading to your brain. This makes a blockage more likely to develop or a blood vessel in the brain to weaken and bleed, both of which could cause a stroke. How do I know if I have high blood pressure? High blood pressure does not have any symptoms so the only way to know if you have it is to have your blood pressure measured regularly. This can be done by your GP or nurse. You can also check it yourself with a home testing kit. What can I do if I have it? Most people with high blood pressure will need to take medication to reduce it. But making changes to your lifestyle will also help to bring it down.

Reflections Training Academy Some prevention strategies for stroke at any age include: Work with your doctor to identify underlying diseases. Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight. Eat a diet low in saturated fat and high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Start controlling high blood pressure and high cholesterol at an early age. Recognize and control diabetes. Avoid alcohol, drugs, and smoking.

Reflections Training Academy YOU HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO CHECK YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE TODAY! PLEASE ENJOY A COMPLIMENTARY HEALTHY LIVING LEAFLET FROM YOUR TUTOR.