World Stroke Day

2009 theme is ‘Stroke: What can I do?’

The main message of this year’s World Stroke Day is that ‘everyone can do something about stroke’. More information can be found at http://www.world-stroke.org/wsd/

Individuals can:

• Find out their stroke risk
• Check or review their lifestyle
• Measure their blood pressure
• Learn the signs of stroke
• Spread the message to friends and relatives

Community groups, associations or societies can:

• Set up a place for people to check their blood pressure
• Run a stroke seminar
• Write to local authorities
• Talk to the local newspaper, radio or television stations about a true life story on stroke, symptoms, or prevention
• Run a social event for stroke survivors
• Publish local statistics and get associated with media
• Form a stroke self-help group or a support group for carers

Governments can:

• Set up stroke units
• Set up brain and blood vessel imaging
• Make sure people can access stroke units
• Improve access to fast stroke care
• Improve supports for people living with stroke

Patients can:

• Follow advice about medications
• Control risk factors
• Live a healthy lifestyle

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