Robert Lloyd - a Sir Gar Blog of random news . . . and some Clecs!

Hywel Dda University Health Board has joined the Stroke Association in marking World Stroke Day and raising awareness of the impact of stroke on women. One in eight women in the UK wrongly believes that a stroke could never happen to them, according to the findings of a poll published today by the Stroke Association. Around 30,000 women die from a stroke every year (i). The condition is the third leading cause of death in women in the UK, and the second biggest killer worldwide. The charity’s latest poll (ii), commissioned to mark World Stroke Day on 29 October, uncovers widespread misconceptions about stroke amongst women. The findings, based on a UK-wide survey of 2,000 adults, show that: Three quarters of women (74%) did not know that stroke is one of the world’s biggest killers Fewer than a third of women (28%) said they thought they would be most likely to have a stroke as they got older. The research also found that women have different attitudes towards the consequences of strok...

Llanelli Rotary Club held a very successful Stroke Awareness Day at the St Elli Shopping Centre, Llanelli. The event was part of a national campaign by the Rotary organisation and the Stroke Association to help save lives. Llanelli Rotary Club President Alan Owen said: "Checking your blood pressure on a regular basis is a very important first step to staying healthy. "Llanelli Rotary Club members were delighted to be joined by trained professional doctors and nurses to give members of the public the chance to have their blood pressure checked during a break from shopping at the St Elli Centre. "It was all part of a bid to raise awareness of the link between high blood pressure and strokes. In total, more than 200 people had their blood pressure checked. Obviously, anyone with high blood pressure was given the appropriate medical advice on the spot and told what steps to take next to combat the problem." More than 400 'Know Your Blood pressure'...

A member of the Welsh Assembly has teamed up with the Stroke Association and Carmarthenshire Council to raise council cleansing staff awareness of the risk of stroke. Stroke campaigner Joyce Watson AM and the Stroke Association visited the Cillefwr Depot, Johnstown, Carmarthen, to test the blood pressure of refuse workers and depot staff. Having high blood pressure makes people 40% more likely to have a stroke. The results were startling – of the 47 people tested, 60% were either borderline or in the high blood pressure category, increasing their risk of stroke. It was suggested to many that a reduction in their blood pressure reading would significantly improve their health and reduce their risk of stroke. Of 47 blood pressures taken 19 were normal, 20 were borderline and eight were high, therefore 60% of the readings were borderline to high. Joyce Watson AM said: “These results are a real wake-up call, but the great news is that everyone we tested can do something about it. ...

Competing for a sporting cup was the latest challenge for members of stroke support groups from across Carmarthenshire. The three local Stroke Association communication support groups - based in Carmarthen, Llanelli and Llandysul - joined together to compete for the Communication Cup. The event was organised by the Stroke Association and Carmarthenshire Council’s sports development team. Now an annual event for local people who have survived a stroke, the participants paired up for a boccia tournament at Parc Y Scarlets. After some friendly competition, the Carmarthen pair of Carl Coates and Thomas Griffiths emerged victorious, beating Llandysul pair Hilary Roberts and Vony Jones. The Stroke Association’s Christine Wheeler-Jones said: “Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the event. It can be very competitive but taking part in sport and activities like this can really help with aspects like movement. “Many of those who take part make a huge effort to be able to play but get so much out of it i...