World Stroke Day

World Stroke Day 2010
Friday, 29 October is World Stroke Day.

Every six seconds, regardless of age or gender – someone somewhere will die from stroke. This is more than a public health statistic. These are people, who at one time, were someone’s sister, brother, wife, husband, daughter, son, partner, mother, father or friend. Behind the numbers are real lives. The World Stroke Organization (WSO) is calling for action to address this epidemic by launching the One in Six campaign on World Stroke Day, 29 October.

The One in Six campaign celebrates the fact that stroke be prevented and stroke survivors may recover to regain their quality of life with appropriate long-term care and support. The campaign aims to reduce your chances of having a stroke by your acting on six easy challenges: 1. Know your personal risk factors: high blood pressure, diabetes, and high blood cholesterol. 2. Be active and exercise regularly. 3. Avoid obesity by keeping to a healthy diet. 4. Limit alcohol 5. If you smoke, seek help to stop now. 6. Learn to recognize the warning signs of a stroke.

Stroke is the second leading cause of death for people above the age of 60, and the fifth leading cause in people aged 15 to 59. Stroke also attacks children, including newborns. Each year, nearly six million people die from stroke. Stroke is responsible for more deaths each year than AIDS, TB and malaria put together.

North Norfolk Different Strokes (NNDS) is the only stroke group for younger stroke survivors of working age, their carers, family and friends in North Norfolk. We need your help to continue this much valued group which has increased in membership by 200% since its inception. NNDS rely entirely on grants and donations. Next year will be more difficult due to cuts in funding. We are your local support and social group for stroke survivors, their carers, family and friends - our committee comprises of two stroke survivors and one carer. If you would like to know more about us, make a donation or have a fund-raising idea, then visit our website on www.northnorfolkdifferentstrokes.org.uk

Thank you.