Facilitator Training to Prevent Stroke in Your Community Presented by Emmett Consulting On behalf of the Self-Help Resource Centre With thanks to Erin Gilgan and Jennifer Poole

How to reach us Self-Help Resource Centre

Agenda – First section History of the project Goals of this training and this phase Learning about stroke Preventing stroke The role of facilitation in stroke prevention

Background of the project The Self-Help Resource Centre Phase I of this project Developing resources and training manuals Phase II of this project Partnerships and programs Three communities Community partnerships Stroke prevention activities Long-term sustainability

Goals for this training Stroke education Facilitator preparation Activities brainstorming

Goals for facilitators - you Solidify the knowledge you already have Help you choose an activity that suits your personality and interests Discuss facilitation strategies and tips Help you plan and carry through an activity

Learning about stroke 1. Stroke – the Basics 2. Warning Signs 3. Preventing Stroke – what can we do?

Stroke – the basics What is a stroke? Loss of brain function Blocked or burst blood vessel interrupts blood supply to brain Can affect ability to talk, move, understand Can affect moods, personality, memory

Risk factors for stroke Uncontrollable risk factors Age, family history, gender Controllable risk factors Diet, exercise, smoking, high blood pressure, stress

Warning Signs Appear suddenly, may have one or more signs: Weakness/numbness in arm, leg or face (usually on one side of body) Loss of speech or trouble understanding Sudden, severe, unusual headache Loss of vision or blurry/double vision Loss of balance/dizziness

A stroke is a medical emergency! Get help – call 911 or local emergency services. Every minute counts.

Preventing Stroke – what can we do? Healthy eating Regular activity and exercise Quit smoking, avoid second-hand smoke Limit alcohol Maintain healthy blood pressure Address stress Support ourselves and each other

Healthy eating Eating healthier foods lowers risk of many diseases Fruits, vegetables, whole grain products, lower-fat meats and dairy, non-meat proteins Less processed food Slow down and enjoy food

Healthy eating contd Moderate sweets, fats, salt, etc. Enjoy many different foods – mix it up! Learn to listen to your body and eat only when you are hungry Use Canadas Food Guide Dont diet – try for healthy eating instead

Regular activity and exercise Make physical activity part of every day Ideally 30 minutes per day minimum Small, frequent amounts do stack up! Working out is not the whole story Try a variety of activities Add a social element

Exercise – so many benefits Increases bone density Regulates blood sugar Reduces stress hormones Reduces blood pressure Maintains healthy body weight Reduces arthritis symptoms Enhances alertness and mental function Decreases risk of falls Regulates mood Adds energy!

Quit smoking and avoid second-hand smoke Exposure to smoke increases stroke risk People smoke for different reasons If you smoke, quit or cut down Avoid second-hand smoke Quitting smoking takes practice, planning, support and persistence Its worth it; the damage is reversible

Limit alcohol intake Moderation is key Protective effect of alcohol can be achieved with only one drink every other day, or through other means No more than 2 per day, women no more than 9 per week, men no more than 14 per week

Maintain healthy blood pressure High blood pressure is a MAJOR risk factor for stroke HBP is the silent killer – no symptoms Stresses artery walls and heart Have your blood pressure checked regularly Healthy lifestyle factors help maintain healthy blood pressure

Address stress in your life Stress is a normal part of life; everyone has it Positive and negative stress Stress results from external events and factors + how we react to them Stress can add to risk of stroke and other health problems What can we do to help cope with or manage or reduce stress?

Getting and Giving support Having support from families, friends and communities benefits health Increases chance that healthy lifestyle efforts will be sustained Share information, experiences, ideas – the essence of self-help Can also seek support from professionals

Discussion What are we doing to prevent stroke and chronic diseases in our lives? What do we wish we could do (or do more of?) What would help us do it? How could these ideas translate to Stroke Prevention activities?

Next: the role of facilitation in stroke prevention Introduction Steps to facilitation Being a facilitator!

How to reach us Self-Help Resource Centre