Today is World Stroke Day

Today is World stroke day - an opportunity to raise awareness of how serious strokes can be and how to respond to them. When someone has a stroke, every second counts in getting them treatment as soon as possible. Remember, act F.A.S.T, for 

FACE drooping -

ARM weakness -

SPEECH difficulty -

TIME to call an Ambulance.

My late father was a stroke survivor. He had his first stroke when he was in his mid-thirties and I was a toddler, and it had life-changing consequences. He had his second stroke in his late sixties: fortunately I was there and although I did not understand what was happening, I realised that he needed urgent attention and called 999 and an ambulance arrived quickly and got him fast treatment.  Another stroke hit while he was on his own in his early seventies and this one killed him.

When somebody has a stroke, every second that goes by is crucial. As brain tissue and millions of neurons begin to fade away, time could not be more precious. The World Stroke day #Precioustime campaign aims to raise awareness of stroke signs and the benefits of timely access to emergency medical care.

Around the world over 13 million people have a stroke each year and around 5.5 million people will die as a result. 

The impact of stroke can be short-term, long-term, or both depending on which part of the brain is affected and how quickly it is treated. Stroke survivors can experience wide-ranging disabilities including difficulties with mobility and speech, as well as how they think and feel. 

Fast access to treatment saves lives and improves recovery. If you spot the signs of stroke, call an ambulance immediately.

 

Know the signs: if you see a stroke act FAST.

COVID-19 Booster and Flu vaccination campaign launched

 The NHS and the UK government have now launched a new campaign to encourage those eligible to take their free flu-jab and booster COVID-19 vaccination, to protect the most vulnerable this winter. 

• Following the continuing success of Britain's vaccination programme – saving almost 130,000 lives – health experts are encouraging eligible individuals to get their free flu-jab and booster vaccine to protect as many lives as possible this winter.
   
• The UK government and NHS have now launched the biggest flu programme in history for 2021/22, in partnership with charities and healthcare organisations, to further the success and protection of our vaccine programme and mitigate the effects of combined flu and coronavirus this winter.
   
• It is thanks to Britain's incredible vaccination programme, and our amazing NHS, that we are able to reunite with friends and family this year – we must protect progress already made and continue to protect the most vulnerable from coronavirus.