Stroke is Australia's second single greatest killer and a leading cause of disability among adults. Close to 60,000 strokes occur in Australia every year - that's one stroke every 10 minutes.
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A great way to reduce your risk of stroke is to "know your numbers".
"Your GP or local pharmacist can measure factors that indicate your risk of stroke, like blood pressure, cholesterol, weight, blood sugar and so on," pharmacist Mark Davis, from Terry White Chemmart Hamilton said.
"We offer a Pharmacy Health Assesment which includes a cholesterol, blood glucose, and blood pressure test as well BMI and weight and a complete body composition scan using the globally trusted Inbody 570 Machine.
"By knowing your numbers you can change lifestyle habits that place you at risk of suffering a stroke.
"Our pharmacists and consultants can help you achieve your health and weight goals and tailor a healthy eating plan for every individual."
What is a stroke?
A stroke happens when blood going to the brain is interrupted. Blood is carried to the brain by blood vessels called arteries, blood may stop flowing through an artery because the artery is blocked or breaks or bursts.
When blood flow is stopped, the brain cannot get the oxygen it needs, brain cells in the area die and the brain can become permanently damaged.
Risk factors for stroke?
Stroke risk is influenced by many factors, some factors such as age, gender and a family history of stroke can't be controlled BUT risk factors that can be controlled can help to reduce the chance of having a stroke and include:
- high blood pressure
- high blood cholesterol
- being overweight
- excessive alcohol
- smoking
- being inactive
- Diabetes
- Artiral fibrillation - AF
What is blood pressure?
Blood pressure is a measurement of the force your blood puts on blood vessel walls as it travels through your body.
High blood pressure can have many harmful effects which can eventually lead to a stroke, for example:
- high blood pressure puts extra stress on blood vessel walls, this can cause the blood vessel to weaken or breakdown which can eventually lead to a stroke
- high blood pressure can speed up common forms of heart disease that can lead to a stroke
- high blood pressure can cause blood clots or plaque (cholesterol) to break off the artery walls and block arteries in the brain causing a stoke
"Doctors sometimes call high blood pressure the 'silent killer' because sufferers can have high blood pressure and show no warning signs," Mark said.
"If untreated, high blood pressure will increase the risk of stroke, heart attack and kidney failure."
Changing your lifestyle
Lifestyle changes not only lower blood pressure, they can also increase the effectiveness of blood pressure medication and reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack and diabetes.
1. Know your numbers and keep blood pressure down
- The lower your blood pressure, the lower the risk of stroke
- Have your blood pressure checked regularly and confirm your measurements with your doctor.
2. Shape up
- Keep your weight within a healthy range, know your cholesterol level, set small realistic goals with a sensible weight plan
- Seek advice and help from your GP, pharmacist and/or dietitian
3. Eat foods that are good for you
- Plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables in your diet, try to reduce saturated fats, drink 6-8 glasses of water a day
- Drop the salt! Salt in the diet increases blood pressure
4. Get active
- Walking is a great way to keep active
5. Cut down or QUIT
- Quit smoking: talk to your doctor or pharmacist for help to quit smoking
- Stay within recommended limits for alcohol, have "alcohol-free" days every week
6. Blood pressure medication
- It is important to take your blood pressure medication as prescribed, do not make decisions about stopping your medication without talking to your doctor or pharmacist.
- Some people will require a number of ways to lower their blood pressure which could include medication and lifestyle changes
Terry White Chemmart Hamilton is located at 119 Beaumont Street, Hamilton.
For more information ring 4961 1269 or visit .