Eastbourne people with high blood pressure urged to make lifestyle changes for Stroke Prevention Day

Research by the Stroke Association shows that more than a third (40 per cent) of people in South East don’t know that high blood pressure is the biggest risk factor for stroke, one of the leading causes of death and disability in the UK.

The charity says this is really worrying because 35,256 people in Eastbourne, Hailsham and Seaford have high blood pressure.

Smoking, drinking alcohol, being physically inactive and sitting for long periods, can contribute to high blood pressure, diabetes, and being an unhealthy weight, all of which increase your risk of stroke. You can start to reduce your risk of stroke by making small changes to your lifestyle.

The Stroke Association is using the #OneSmallChange to help people reduce their risk of stroke.

A spokesperson from the Stroke Association said: “It’s often easiest to start off small and pick something that’s achievable for you.

“This may be swapping your after-work alcoholic drink for a soft one, getting up and moving regularly during the day, cutting down on salt or sugar, or joining an online exercise group.”

Find out more about the prevention day and how to make healthier choices by visiting www.stroke.org.uk/PreventionDay, where you can sign up to receive tailored advice, hints and tips.