VB readers with a good memory will recall that about this time last year a national stroke awareness campaign was launched in the UK.
Now before Daft Old Duffer gets all excited, filling his head with ideas of being able to spend the day stroking the legs of lovely young ladies, we are of course talking about the life threatening condition that is England’s third largest killer.
Tomorrow sees the return of National Stroke Awareness Day and a special event is being held at St Mary’s Hospital to help raise awareness of the condition.
A whole host of experts including the Stroke Team at St. Mary’s Hospital; representatives from Age Concern; The Stroke Club and the Isle of Wight Council will be joining forces to bring you information and advice relating to strokes.
Taking place between 10am-4pm in the Conference Room at St. Mary’s Hospital tomorrow, you’ll find interactive activities and healthy food tasting. Experts will also share information about the latest advances and exciting new developments that are planned to enhance stroke care on the Island.
The skinny on strokes
If you’ve ever wondered what causes a stroke and why they happen, read on for the explanation by the experts. It’s shocking how many people are affected by this preventable condition.
Every year an estimated 150,000 people in the UK have a stroke. That’s one person every five minutes. It is a serious medical condition that occurs when the blood supply to the brain is disturbed. Like all organs, the brain needs the oxygen and nutrients provided by blood to function properly. If the supply of blood is restricted or stopped, brain cells begin to die. This can lead to brain damage and possibly death.
Stroke is the third most common cause of death and the single largest cause of adult disability in England. Each year, on the Island, more than 400 people have a stroke and a third of these will remain severely disabled.
Jeannine Johnson, NHS Isle of Wight Stroke Nurse Specialist and Clinical Lead for Stroke said: “Stroke can happen to anyone, young or old, at any time. We need the support of members of the public to recognise the symptoms of stroke and take action quickly so that we can begin treatment as early as possible and improve the outcome for patients.
“The aim of the event is to raise awareness of stroke and the support that is available for people who have suffered a stroke, their families and carers. We have a strong team of nurses and therapists to support patients and their families. It is an opportunity for us to highlight the significant developments that have been made to the service in the past two years and share with staff and the public the exciting new developments that are planned.”
