Eat a Rainbow - Beat a Stroke

The Stroke Association want you to get involved with this year’s Stroke Awareness Week by helping children to Eat a Rainbow - Beat a Stroke! Stroke Awareness Week 2004, which runs from 4th -10th October, aims to work with parents, guardians, teachers and organisations to promote the benefits of eating a range of different coloured fruits and vegetables to children.

In a typical week, one in five children eat no fruit at all . Studies show that eating at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day can reduce the risk of a stroke by a third. Stroke is the third biggest killer in England and Wales and has a greater disability impact than any other condition. A stroke can happen to anyone of any age and at any time.

The theme of this year’s campaign will build on the government’s ‘Five a Day’ campaign which highlights the benefits of eating five portions of fruit and vegetables a day as well as their ‘Food in Schools’ programme which aims to bring healthier food to the nation’s schools. The Stroke Association have also produced an interactive guide, containing ideas and information, to help you show children how easy stroke prevention can be.

Jon Barrick, Chief Executive of The Stroke Association says:

“The food we eat plays a crucial role in determining our health. Increasing evidence shows that a healthy diet can lower risks of stroke. This year’s Stroke Awareness Week is a great opportunity to start educating children at an early age on the importance of healthy eating and stroke prevention.”

To get your Supporters Pack, which includes information, activities and games for children, please call 01604 623919 or e-mail strokeawareness@stroke.org.uk
Ends

1(National Diet and Nutrition Survey, young people aged 4-18 years 2000, Department of Health)

Notes to editor

· For more details please contact the Media Team at The Stroke Association on 020 7566 1515 or mail press@stroke.org.uk

· Please note we have an ISDN facility.
· Each year over 130,000 people in England and Wales have a stroke. Of all people who suffer from a stroke, about a third are likely to die within the first 10 days, about a third are likely to make a recovery within one month and about a third are likely to be left disabled and needing rehabilitation. A quarter of a million people are living with long-term disability as a result of stroke in the UK.
· The Stroke Association is the only national charity solely concerned with combating stroke in people of all ages. It funds research into prevention, treatment and better methods of rehabilitation and helps stroke patients and their families directly through its community services. These include dysphasia support, family support, information services, welfare grants, publications and leaflets. We also campaign, educate and inform to increase knowledge of stroke at all levels of society and we act as a voice for everyone affected by stroke.
· A stroke happens when the blood supply to the brain is disrupted. Most strokes occur when a blood clot blocks the flow of blood to the brain. Some strokes are caused by bleeding in or around the brain from a burst blood vessel. When the blood supply is disrupted, parts of the brain become damaged or destroyed. Some strokes are fatal whist others can cause permanent or temporary paralysis to one side of the body and loss of the ability to speak, read or write. Recovery may be slow and can vary from person to person.

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