World Stroke Day 2025 in Barking and Dagenham: Recognising Stroke Symptoms and the Need to #ActFAST
Every year, World Stroke Day shines a light on one of the world’s leading causes of death and disability. The World Stroke Day 2025 theme focuses on raising public awareness of stroke symptoms and the urgent need to #ActFAST when they appear. With 1 in 4 people at risk of stroke in their lifetime, it’s vital that everyone understands the warning signs and the importance of quick action. Every second counts — acting fast saves lives and greatly improves the chances of full recovery. Learn more from the World Stroke Organization here.
Understanding Stroke and Its Impact
A stroke happens when something blocks blood flow to part of the brain, which quickly deprives brain cells of oxygen and vital nutrients. This can cause lasting brain damage, disability, or even death. While anyone can have a stroke, certain risk factors — such as high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, and lack of exercise — can increase the likelihood. World Stroke Day 2025 also addresses these risk factors.
Globally, strokes affect millions of people each year, and their effects extend beyond the individual to families, carers, and communities. However, early recognition and immediate medical attention can dramatically change the outcome, especially emphasised during World Stroke Day 2025.
The Importance of Acting FAST
The FAST test is an easy way to remember the key symptoms of stroke and what to do:
- F – Face: Has one side of the face drooped?
- A – Arms: Can the person raise both arms and keep them there?
- S – Speech: Is their speech slurred or strange?
- T – Time: Time to call 999 immediately.
Even if the symptoms disappear quickly, it could still be a sign of a transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or “mini-stroke,” which is a warning sign that a more serious stroke may occur soon. When you act quickly and call emergency services, doctors can start life-saving treatment right away. Remember to spread this message on World Stroke Day 2025.
Reducing Your Risk of Stroke
Although factors such as age and family history are beyond our control, we can still manage many lifestyle risks to lower our chances of stroke. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is one of the best defences against stroke:
- Check for heart conditions – Atrial fibrillation and other heart issues can raise stroke risk.
- Monitor blood pressure – High blood pressure is the biggest risk factor.
- Eat a balanced diet – Reduce salt, sugar, and saturated fats.
- Exercise regularly – Aim for at least 30 minutes of activity most days.
- Avoid smoking and limit alcohol – Both increase your risk.
Conclusion: Know the Signs and #ActFAST
Recognising the signs of a stroke and acting FAST can make the difference between life and death, or between a full recovery and lasting disability. Everyone needs to recognise the warning signs and call 999 straight away when they notice them. Ultimately, the message for World Stroke Day 2025 is clear — every moment matters because time lost is brain lost. To read more and access helpful resources, visit the World Stroke Organization’s campaign page
About Caremark Barking and Dagenham
At Caremark Barking and Dagenham, we are committed to promoting the health and safety of our clients and the wider community. Our dedicated carers receive regular training to recognise the signs of medical emergencies, such as stroke, and they respond swiftly and confidently when needed.
If you or a loved one needs compassionate and professional support at home, get in touch with our friendly team today to learn more about our home care services. Together, we can help you live safely and confidently at home.