STAFF at Basildon Hospital who care for stroke patients met with visitors to explain about stroke prevention and treatment.

As part of Stroke Awareness Month, therapists, nurses and dietitians ran an information stand at the hospital with advice on how lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of a stroke, how to spot the warning signs of a stroke and therapies and treatments for patients who have suffered one.

They also offered blood pressure checks for visitors and demonstrated devices that help stroke patients exercise their hands.

Strokes occur when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off. The sooner a person receives treatment the less damage is likely to happen so it is important to be aware of the symptoms so action can be taken as soon as possible.

Conditions such as high blood pressure can increase the risk of a stroke and people can significantly reduce their chances of having a stroke by eating healthily, drinking alcohol in moderation, taking regular exercise and not smoking.