stroke recovery

Stroke Recovery

Health Check

High blood pressure is the silent killer. I know it almost got me.
I felt great, walking hills and doing weight lifting.
Then I was on the floor "help, I can't breath".
My poor partner, a week at my side in hospital not knowing whether I'd survive.
Then 2 weeks not knowing if she'd see me live out my days as a vegetable.
Thankfully I moved a finger and a knee. I gradually showed more signs of life.
It's a long journey which I'm still on 7 months later.

So please listen to me. Ignoring, putting your head in the sand won't work.

Trust me.

Ask everyone you meet "Do you know your blood pressure?".
If yes say great, if no say "can I check your blood pressure".

You are not trying to spot the likely stroke victim. In hospital I was friends with men, women, young, old, slim, large. There's no way to tell other than blood pressure.

Sit in a comfortable position.
If your blood pressure is high wait 5 minutes and do it again.
If it's still high wait another 5 minutes.

If your blood pressure is high but less than 180 make an appointment with your doctor.
If it's 180 or more don't mess around or make excuses. Ring your doctor, go to the hospital or ring for an ambulance.
You can change your diet, lose weight and execise AFTER. Right now you need medical help. Your life depends on it. Usually just a pill each day, nothing difficult compared to having a stroke, believe me. Much better than dying.

BP

Every work place or group can have a blood pressure monitor. Cost NZ$40. Nothing to save a life. Use it a few times a year and ask everyone who visits.

Lets try and reduce the 10,000 stroke victims each year in New Zealand

Inspired by talking to Patrick. Thank you Patrick.

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