A new survey by the Stroke Association shows that 49% of people in Wales 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.

This is really worrying because of 15.8% of people in Wales 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.

To launch the first ever national Stroke Prevention Day on 14 January, we’ve worked with our partners at the Rotary Club, LoSalt and OMRON Healthcare to help you make #OneSmallChange to reduce your risk of stroke.

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.

Just go to our website www.stroke.org.uk/PreventionDay and receive tailored advice plus monthly emails with hints and tips

We’d like you to pledge to make the change for three months, then let us know how you get on and how youfound ways of sticking to your pledge.

The things you tell us will help others across the UK to reduce their risk of stroke and lead a healthier lifestyle in 2021.

Katie Chappelle
Associate Director Wales
The Stroke Association