Feeling overwhelmed? Life moves quickly, and stress often sneaks in without warning. When it does, pause, take a deep breath, and try this simple technique to bring your mind back to the present and protect your health. The 5-4-3-2-1 Method 👀 5 things you can see Take a slow look around. Notice colors, shapes, patterns, light. ✋ 4 things you can touch Feel the texture of your clothes, a chair, a blanket, or the floor beneath your feet. 👂 3 things you can hear Tune in to birds, distant traffic, soft hums, or your own breathing. 👃 2 things you can smell Breathe in the scents around you: coffee, fresh air, a candle, or something nearby. 👅 1 thing you can taste Sip water, or simply notice the natural taste in your mouth. ✅ Why It Works • Interrupts racing thoughts • Encourages slower, deeper breathing • Calms the body’s stress response • Easy to do anywhere, anytime in under a minute. 🌿 Managing stress lowers blood pressure, reduces inflammation, and supports healthier daily habits, all essential for reducing stroke risk. ✨ Take a moment today to ground yourself. A one-minute reset can shift the tone of your entire day.

These delicious foods have one thing in common: they’re packed with omega-3 fats, essential nutrients your body can’t make on its own - your heart, brain, and blood vessels depend on them. 🔬 Meet the Omega-3 Trio - ALA (alpha-linolenic acid): Found in plant foods. Your body can convert ALA into EPA and DHA, but only in small amounts. - EPA (eisosapentaneoic acid) & DHA (docosahexaenoic acid): Found mainly in oily fish. These are the most potent forms for protecting your heart, brain, and circulation. How Omega-3s Help Prevent Stroke? EPA and DHA support your cardiovascular system and brain health through multiple powerful mechanisms: 🛡️ Reduce inflammation - keeping blood vessels resilient 🛡️ Lower triglycerides - reducing artery narrowing 🛡️ Improve endothelial function - smoother, more elastic vessels 🛡️ Reduce arterial stiffness - easing strain on brain circulation 🛡️ Act as natural antiplatelets - lowering clot risk 🛡️ Lower blood pressure - a major stroke risk 🛡️ Reduce resting heart rate - supporting overall cardiovascular stability 📊 Science Spotlight Large-scale research shows that higher blood levels of omega-3 fats (especially EPA and DHA) are linked to a lower risk of ischemic stroke https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/STROKEAHA.123.044281 ⭐ Best Food Sources of Omega-3 🐟 Top EPA & DHA Sources: Salmon, Mackerel, Herring, Sardines, Anchovies, Pilchards, Trout 🌱 Best ALA Plant Sources: Walnuts, Chia seeds, Flaxseed/linseed, Flaxseed oil, Hemp seeds, Pumpkin seeds, Rapeseed oil, Spinach, kale & leafy greens 💡 How to Get More Omega-3s Into Your Week 🍣 Eat 2 portions of fish/week (at least 1 oily) 🌰 Add walnuts to breakfast or salads 🌿 Sprinkle chia or flax into porridge or yoghurt 🫒 Cook with oils like flaxseed, walnut, or rapeseed 🥗 Include leafy greens like spinach and kale

Morning all I’m really struggling at the moment controlling my Hbac1. I’ve always found it a challenge but I’ve managed to keep it pretty low. Now it’s consistently high. Especially after lunch. Any tips?

Looking for a simple habit that supports heart health, lowers blood pressure, lifts mood, reduces stress, helps manage weight, and builds community? Parkrun is your answer. 📜 A Little Parkrun History Parkrun began in 2004 in Bushy Park, London, when founder Paul Sinton-Hewitt invited just 13 runners to a simple, timed 5k. No fees, no medals, no pressure — just community and movement. From that tiny gathering, parkrun grew into a global movement with millions of walkers, joggers, runners, and volunteers. ✅ Why Parkrun Works ✨ Free, friendly, and for all ages — walkers, runners ✨ No barriers — no cost, no special gear, no “I’m not a runner” stigma ✨ Community connection — encouragement and belonging keep you coming back ✨ Health boost — improves fitness, mood, confidence, and long-term motivation 🧠 Stroke Prevention Power = movement + nature + social connection Parkrun supports: • Cardiovascular health & blood pressure • Mental wellbeing & mood • Weight management • Confidence & self-esteem • Skills & purpose through volunteering • Management of long-term conditions 🌍 Healthcare Approved Endorsed by the Royal College of GPs as a social-prescribing option. 💬 Ready to Start? Sign up online (free forever): parkrun.org.uk Print your barcode Turn up to any event Walk, jog, or run Enjoy the community & post-run glow! Your first Parkrun could be the start of a healthier, happier you. Why not give it a try this Saturday?

This tip is a little different. I wanted to share something I've been using recently during the resident doctor strikes that has really helped me to make sure I'm not missing anything for our stroke patients. It's a mnemonic that covers most of the things we need to check in stroke patients to help prevent future strokes. You might use it to make sure you had all the right tests, or medical professionals in the group might want to use this on the ward. BALD DADDIES B - Blood pressure optimised A - Antiplatetlets (Aspirin or Clopidigrel) or Anticoagulation L - Lipids (cholesterol) treatment D - check for or optimise diabetes D - Doppler scan of neck arteries A - AF screen - ECG and heart monitor D - Diet and Drink advice D- Driving advice I - Info leaflet on Stroke E - Exercise advice S - Smoking cessation advice Let me know what you think!!