TRAINING and taking part in a Resolution Run for the Stroke Association in Redditch could reduce your risk of stroke by 20 per cent says top Stroke medicine professor Tom Robinson.
Prof Robinson says that moderate to intense exercise, like in walking to jogging or cycling can significantly reduce stroke risk.
Importantly, activities should make you break into a sweat to qualify as (moderate to intense) physical activity.
“You don’t have to be an athlete to reduce your stroke risk, we can all do it as part of our daily routine,” said Prof Robinson.
“Simply taking part in at least 30 minutes of activity which helps you break a sweat about three to four times a week will help.
“Remember, the more you do, the more you can reduce your risk.”
Prof Robinson also advises that being committed and having a training plan, are vital to achieving your goal.
“The preparation for and taking part in a Resolution Run could reduce your stroke risk,” he said.
“However, it is equally important to remember you need to maintain this level of exercise to keep your stroke risk low.
“If you start small, training in short bursts and build up you are more likely to succeed and keep going in the long term.”
The Stroke Association has been working with Professor Robinson to produce guide to help people get started at www.resolutionrun.org.uk/.
If you have any pre-existing health conditions or other concerns, it’s important to contact your GP before you begin training.
The charity has organised 34 runs across the UK from February 17 to May 5, 2019.
These are open to all ages and abilities, and participants can jog or run their way to the finish line. The Resolution Run in Redditch is on February 24, 2019 at Arrow Valley Park.
Juliet Bouverie, chief executive of the Stroke Association, said: “Every five minutes across the UK, someone’s life is turned upside down by stroke but we can all take part in exercise that helps to reduce our risk.
“A Resolution Run is an ideal event for families and friends who want to do something fun together while getting more active in 2019. By signing up to a Resolution Run in Redditch each runner will not only reduce their stroke risk, they will also help ensure that we can continue to support stroke survivors and their families as they rebuild their lives.”
Physical activity is just one aspect of a healthy lifestyle required to reduce the risk of stroke. The association also advises avoiding gaining excess body weight, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and unhealthy diets.
Entry fee is just £16. All runners receive a technical running T-shirt and medal. To enter or for more information on Resolution Runs visit www.resolutionrun.org.uk email [email protected] or call 0300 330 0740. The money raised through your Resolution Run will help the Stroke Association to fund vital research and support people affected by stroke across the UK.
