A STROKE Awareness Day was held at Crediton Hospital in conjunction with the Stroke Association.

The aim of the day was to make people more aware of the prevention of a stroke, understanding the symptoms and recovery after a stroke.

Angela Bowring, stroke rehabilitation worker, explained: Local people come to us to recover from a stroke.

"If people are treated quickly it can reduce the amount of damage."

"People who have a stroke can recover and help is available."

High blood pressure (hypertension) if not treated over time, is thought to be a contributing factor and Angela and Nicki Chivers (stroke rehabilitation support worker/registered nurse) spent the day checking the blood pressure of over 40 people.

It is estimated that in the UK each year 150,000 people have a stroke- one every five minutes!

The current television campaign FAST explains using the letters FAST (F – facial weakness, A – arm weakness, S- speech problems and T – time to dial 999).

Prompt action can prevent further damage to the brain and help someone make a full recovery.

For more information contact the stroke helpline on 0845 3-33 1—or check out the website http://www.stroke.org.uk">www.stroke.org.uk .

Nora Parminter