Ilkeston Stroke Club urges people of Ilkeston NOT TO GAMBLE WITH STROKE Ilkeston Stroke Club is urging people in the Ilkeston area not to gamble with the UK’s third biggest killer - stroke and take the following steps to reduce their risk. • Have their blood pressure tested regularly High blood pressure is the single biggest risk factor for stroke and it can often be symptom less. Check with your GP Surgery on how to have your blood pressure tested. • Stop smoking This can cut your risk of stroke in half. Smoking causes the arteries to fur up and makes your blood more likely to clot. These increase your risk of a stroke. Contact your GP or the NHS Quit Line (0800 00 22 00) if you would like help with stopping smoking. • Enjoy alcohol in moderation Drinking too much alcohol raises blood pressure. Binge drinking (drinking more than six units in six hours) is particularly dangerous as it can cause blood pressure to soar. • Eating a healthy diet Healthy eating is essential for a healthy bloodstream. Salt raises blood pressure. Don't add salt to your food and avoid processed foods which contain a lot of salt. • Get Physical! Regular physical activity helps to lower blood pressure, creates a healthy balance of blood fats and improves your body's ability to handle insulin. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas and controls the amount of sugar in the blood by moving it into the cells, where it can be used by the body for energy. Joe Korner, Director of Communications for The Stroke Association comments; 'Around 150,000 people a year will have a stroke. Stroke is the UK's third biggest killer and the leading cause of adult disability. But a third of all strokes could be prevented by taking measures to control high blood pressure - the single biggest risk factor for stroke. It is vital that people have their blood pressure tested regularly and if needed, take their doctor's advice on reducing their blood pressure - this may involve medication'. Stroke is a devastating condition and Ilkeston Stroke Club is here to help local people to rebuild their life following a stroke. Whilst our support will always be here, we would like to see less people having strokes and needing our help. Strokes can be prevented - please don't take the gamble'.