The Anglia Stroke & Heart Network is holding an event within The Mall, Norwich, from 9.30am to 3.30pm on Wednesday 9th May 2012.

There will also be an opportunity to have your blood pressure and pulse checked and members of the public will be handed leaflets and can talk to experts about how to prevent a stroke or Transient Ischaemic Attack TIA. A TIA is sometimes described as a mini stroke.

Norwich City defender Adam Drury will pop in at 1pm to lend his support, subject to change according to his footballing commitments.

Adam said: “Everyone can defend themselves against having a stroke. Staying fit and active and eating a healthy diet are two of the important and easy steps we can all take.”

Cardiovascular nurse consultant Joanne Haws, who will be at the event in The Mall on Wednesday, said: “We also want to remind people about the FAST message, which helps us all spot the signs of a stroke. Our message to the public is if you think someone has suffered a stroke then dial 999 immediately. Fast medical attention from a specialist team is critical. 

“We also want people to know what can increase your risk of having a stroke or a TIA. Stroke is a largely preventable condition and lifestyle changes and early intervention can make a difference to the level of risk.”

The FAST message helps you spot the signs of a stroke:


F – FACE – Has their face fallen on one side? Can they smile?
A – ARMS – Can they raise both arms and keep them there?
S – SPEECH – Is their speech slurred?
T – TIME – Time to call 999 if you see any one of these signs.

A stroke is a serious medical emergency which is caused when the blood supply to the brain is disrupted or cut off. If the supply of blood is restricted or stopped, brain cells begin to die but if treated quickly the long term effects can be reduced.”

TIAs are sometimes referred to as mini-strokes, and are an important warning that further TIAs or a full stroke may occur soon. There is a one in 10 chance of having a stroke within 4 weeks of having a TIA. It is vitally important that TIAs are assessed and treated quickly.

The Department of Health has recently re-run the national FAST campaign but there is still concern about a lack of public awareness about the importance of early assessment and treatment for this condition.

To further reinforce the FAST message, the Anglia Stroke & Heart Network will be running an advertising campaign across the network area from mid May through to early June to include bus stops and washroom publicity in pubs and bars in key city and town locations.