Health Notes, June 1st 2008, by Sarah Stacey

How to prevent a stroke

Most of us think stroke is a condition of old age.  Think again: the sobering truth is that one in four strokes happen to people under 65.   ‘Stroke happens to all ages including children – and it’s now a major cause of disability in young people,’ says Dr Anthony Rudd, consultant stroke physician at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital in London. 

A stroke attacks the brain.  The blood supply to the brain is disrupted, either because a blood clot causes a blockage - an ischaemic stroke, which affects about 80 per cent of sufferers - or a blood vessel bursts, resulting in a bleed in or around the brain – a haemorrhagic stroke, which is more likely in younger people.  The most common effects are paralysis, weakness or numbness down one side; communication difficulties; problems with learning, concentration and memory; visual problems, incontinence and difficulty swallowing.

‘Strokes are largely preventable but young people particularly need to understand that the damage starts early.  Taking drugs such as cocaine, amphetamines and ecstasy, and binge drinking isn’t just about getting out of your head: it’s about the risk of ending up in my stroke unit, unable to speak and wearing nappies.’  (Drugs usually cause strokes by sending blood pressure ‘sky high’.)

Other preventable causes include smoking and being on the pill: ‘a particularly risky combination,’ says Dr Rudd.  High blood pressure is a big risk factor for all ages.  ‘Virtually all of us has slightly too high blood pressure because we eat too much animal fat and salt and not enough fruit and vegetables, plus we’re too sedentary.   In rural societies, where burger bars haven’t arrived, and people walk from place to place, the average blood pressure is about 110 (systolic) over 56 to 60 (diastolic), compared to 130 over 90 here.’ 

Strokes may also occur if the inside wall of the carotid artery, which goes up through the neck to the brain, gets torn, allowing blood to penetrate between the layers of the arterial wall in the brain. Causes include babies being pushed out like a champagne cork during labour, whiplash, and jerking from fairground rides, also tucking the telephone receiver under our ears. I used to do this frequently but I now have a Doro headset and phone, from Onlinetechnology, onltech.co.uk.  Margaret Thatcher was said to have suffered from  ‘Beauty Parlour Stroke Syndrome’ where people with high blood pressure can suffer a stroke (usually mild) if their neck is bent back too severely over the edge of a basin during hairwashing. (The Gel Rest by Betty Dain is a rubber neck protector which you can pop in your handbag,  £12.95 from Victoria Health, www.victoriahealth.com).

Finally, Dr Rudd emphasises that it’s vital we all know the signs of a stroke. ‘The faster people are treated, the better the outcome. Do the Face Arm Speech Test (FAST below) and if you suspect a stroke, phone an ambulance immediately. If it isn’t a stroke no one will criticise you. If it is, you may save a life.’

FAST assesses three specific symptoms of stroke.

Facial weakness - 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?

Test all three symptoms. If the person fails any one of these tests, you must call 999.

Stroke Association, helpline 0845 303 3100, www.stroke.org.uk.

Bounce your way to slim thighs…

If, like me, the shape of your tum, bum and thighs doesn’t quite seem to match your cozzie, cheer up! Nutritionist and fitness expert Yinka Thomas says the quickest way to get in trim is to bounce on a mini-trampoline, aka a rebounder.  I used to do it years ago and I promise it really works: NASA says rebounding is the efficient and effective form of exercise ever devised.  Next week, in the YOU summer sun special, you will find Yinka’s 21 day Bikini Body Diet and Exercise Plan:  if you want to get all set, you may want to order a rebounder now. They must  be good quality or you may jar your body: Yinka recommends the Trimilin Med rebounder.  To order one post-free for  £129, tel: 01420 525548, or visit www.notipsnotucks.com UK delivery should be 48 hours.  

Website of the week: Rocket Gardens, rocketgardens.co.uk

This fantastic Cornish nursery supplies instant organic vegetable,  herb and fruit gardens, with seasonal plants at very reasonable prices.  They’re suitable for gardens, containers, grow bags or window boxes.  Rocket Gardens also runs a schools campaign – Dig for their Future –  with Innocent Drinks to help children grow their own organic produce.