It happens suddenly when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted. This can immediately cause loss of feeling on one side of the body as well as affecting vision, speech and memory. Many people do recover from a stroke – but for others it can mean permanent disability or even death.

NHS Suffolk remains committed to delivering the very best in stroke care to the people of Suffolk and is working in partnership with local hospitals to deliver a level of care in line with national guidelines and which meets the needs of local people.

Medical director for NHS Suffolk, Dr Andrew Hassan, is reminding people of some simple and effective ways they can cut down on the risk of stroke during this week’s Stroke Awareness Week.

Stop smoking – It doesn’t matter how old you are or how long you’ve been smoking, stopping smoking will cut your risk of stroke by half. The most effective way of giving up smoking is with some help and last year NHS Suffolk Stop Smoking Service helped almost 4000 people kick the habit. They can be contacted on 0800 085 6037

Improve your diet – Too much fat in your diet can clog your arteries and too much salt can increase blood pressure. Visit the Healthy Ambitions Suffolk website at www.healthyambitionssuffolk.nhs.uk for some great healthy eating advice

Increase your activity level – Regular activity can lower your blood pressure e.g. use the stairs instead of taking the lift, when catching a bus walk to the next stop or get off one stop early. Visit the Healthy Ambitions Suffolk website at www.healthyambitionssuffolk.nhs.uk for some top tips on how to keep active and fit.

Reduce your alcohol intake – The warm weather is a great time to try some healthy fruit smoothies or cool, long non-alcoholic drinks. Set aside at least one day a week when you don’t drink alcohol, swap high strength beers and wines (ABV%) for lower strength drinks or enjoy a bottled beer instead of a pint. Visit www.nhs.uk for more information on how to cut down your alcohol intake.

Dr Hassan, who is a GP, said: “Stroke Awareness Week is a good opportunity to make the point that by taking some easy and simple steps you can feel healthier and better and cut the risk of stroke.“

If you suspect someone is having a stroke check out the symptoms and act F.A.S.T:

Facial weaknesses – can the person smile? Has their mouth or eye drooped?
Arm weakness – can the person raise both arms?
Speech problems – can the person speak clearly and understand what you say?
Time to call 999

If the person has failed any one of these tests you must call 999 – remember that a stroke is a medical emergency.

You can find out more information about strokes at The Stroke Association website at www.stroke.org.uk

More information on Act F.A.S.T. can be found at www.nhs.uk/actfast

For more information about NHS Suffolk visit www.suffolk.nhs.uk