Facilitator Training to Prevent Stroke in Your Community

Presented by Emmett Consulting

On behalf of the Self-Help Resource Centre

With thanks to Erin Gilgan and Jennifer Poole

How to reach us

Self-Help Resource Centre www.selfhelp.on.ca 1-888-283-8806

Agenda – First section

History of the project Goals of this training and this

phase Learning about stroke Preventing stroke The role of facilitation in stroke

prevention

Background of the project The Self-Help Resource Centre Phase I of this project

Developing resources and training manuals Phase II of this project

Partnerships and programs Three communities Community partnerships Stroke prevention activities Long-term sustainability

Goals for this training

Stroke education Facilitator preparation Activities brainstorming

Goals for facilitators - you

Solidify the knowledge you already have

Help you choose an activity that suits your personality and interests

Discuss facilitation strategies and tips

Help you plan and carry through an activity

Learning about stroke

1. Stroke – the Basics2. Warning Signs3. Preventing Stroke – what can we

do?

Stroke – the basics

What is a stroke? Loss of brain function Blocked or burst blood vessel

interrupts blood supply to brain Can affect ability to talk, move,

understand Can affect moods, personality,

memory

Risk factors for stroke

Uncontrollable risk factors Age, family history, gender

Controllable risk factors Diet, exercise, smoking, high blood

pressure, stress

Warning Signs

Appear suddenly, may have one or more signs:

Weakness/numbness in arm, leg or face (usually on one side of body)

Loss of speech or trouble understanding

Sudden, severe, unusual headache Loss of vision or blurry/double vision Loss of balance/dizziness

A stroke is a medical emergency! Get help – call

911 or local emergency services. Every minute

counts.

Preventing Stroke – what can we do?

Healthy eating Regular activity and exercise Quit smoking, avoid second-hand

smoke Limit alcohol Maintain healthy blood pressure Address stress Support ourselves and each other

Healthy eating

Eating healthier foods lowers risk of many diseases

Fruits, vegetables, whole grain products, lower-fat meats and dairy, non-meat proteins

Less processed food Slow down and enjoy food

Healthy eating cont’d

Moderate sweets, fats, salt, etc. Enjoy many different foods – mix it

up! Learn to listen to your body and eat

only when you are hungry Use Canada’s Food Guide Don’t diet – try for healthy eating

instead

Regular activity and exercise Make physical activity part of every day Ideally 30 minutes per day minimum Small, frequent amounts do stack up! “Working out” is not the whole story Try a variety of activities Add a social element

Exercise – so many benefits Increases bone density Regulates blood sugar Reduces stress hormones Reduces blood pressure Maintains healthy body weight Reduces arthritis symptoms Enhances alertness and mental function Decreases risk of falls Regulates mood Adds energy!

Quit smoking and avoid second-hand smoke

Exposure to smoke increases stroke risk

People smoke for different reasons If you smoke, quit or cut down Avoid second-hand smoke Quitting smoking takes practice,

planning, support and persistence It’s worth it; the damage is reversible

Limit alcohol intake

Moderation is key Protective effect of alcohol can be

achieved with only one drink every other day, or through other means

No more than 2 per day, women no more than 9 per week, men no more than 14 per week

Maintain healthy blood pressure High blood pressure is a MAJOR risk

factor for stroke HBP is “the silent killer” – no

symptoms Stresses artery walls and heart Have your blood pressure checked

regularly “Healthy lifestyle” factors help

maintain healthy blood pressure

Address stress in your life Stress is a normal part of life;

everyone has it Positive and negative stress Stress results from external events

and factors + how we react to them Stress can add to risk of stroke and

other health problems What can we do to help cope with

or manage or reduce stress?

Getting and Giving support Having support from families,

friends and communities benefits health

Increases chance that healthy lifestyle efforts will be sustained

Share information, experiences, ideas – the essence of self-help

Can also seek support from professionals

Discussion

What are we doing to prevent stroke and chronic diseases in our lives?

What do we wish we could do (or do more of?)

What would help us do it? How could these ideas translate to

Stroke Prevention activities?

Next: the role of facilitation in stroke prevention

Introduction Steps to facilitation Being a facilitator!

How to reach us

Self-Help Resource Centre www.selfhelp.on.ca 1-888-283-8806