The Stroke Association in partnership with Weight Watchers in West Wales has delivered a series of stroke awareness and stroke prevention talks over the last eight weeks. The sessions were delivered in Haverfordwest, Narberth, Aberaeron and Cardigan.
The new partnership also gave members the chance to check their blood pressure by offering ‘Know your blood pressure’ checks.
Lynn Preece, the Stroke Association’s area manager for South-West Wales, said: “The partnership was a perfect fit; members are already taking control of their lifestyle by signing up with Weight Watchers.
“We checked members’ blood pressures and also talked about other ways of reducing the risk of stroke. Over 54 per cent of strokes can be avoided by people knowing they have high blood pressure and receiving treatment. Lifestyle changes such as losing weight and reducing salt in people’s diets can also help.”
Some of the sessions coincided with the Stroke Association’s ‘Make May Purple’ month which aims to highlight stroke and raise money to spend on vital research. Stroke is the fourth biggest killer and the leading cause of disability in the UK.
Local Weight Watchers coach Marie Morgan said: “It is important to help our members on their weight loss journey in all aspects and this includes our holistic approach in addition to our Smart Points and No Count Plans.”
Her colleague Eleri Rattalick added: “We welcomed this opportunity to work in partnership with the Stroke Association and members appreciated the importance of the event. We look forward to working with the organisation again in the future.”
The Stroke Association has organised a ‘Step-out for Stroke’ sponsored walk in Pembroke Castle this Sunday, June 25. It costs just £5 to enter and includes a ‘Step-out’ t-shirt and free access to Pembroke Castle.
Lynne Preece added: “The event is a walk which is a mile long, but whether your challenge is to walk one step or the full mile, it would be great if you could join us.”
For more information, tel. 0300 330 0740 or email [email protected]