The new working year that began for most on 4 January 2011 was greeted with some new research from the Stroke Association[1] a day later revealing that 15% people in the UK consider themselves very stressed heading into the new year, with the figure rising to almost 20% of women compared with 10% of men.
The charity warns that, as a result of stress, over seven million British adults could be at risk of stroke. The biggest risk factor for stroke is high blood pressure and alongside a bad diet and lack of exercise; but high levels of stress are a key contributor to raising blood pressure. Almost a fifth of those surveyed admitted that they undertook no exercise whatsoever, with a similar number managing only 30 minutes of exercise once a week.
Middle aged people (45-54 year olds) are increasing their risk of stroke, with over a quarter admitting to never taking any exercise, as well as reporting the highest levels of stress across all age groups in the UK – with almost 50% claiming to be more than ‘moderately stressed’. Worryingly, 40% of the British public are not even aware of the link between exercise and stroke prevention.
The study was undertaken by The Stroke Association in conjunction with Siemens, ahead of the nationwide Stroke for Stroke week.
The campaign, now in its fourth year, aims to raise awareness of stroke – the second biggest killer in the UK – by encouraging members of the public to take part in a sponsored 10km row (or more), helping to raise funds for The Stroke Association.
Stroke for Stroke week runs between 24 - 30 January 2011.
Jon Barrick, CEO of the Stroke Association told The People Bulletin:
"This research is incredibly worrying, especially at a time when people are heading back to work after the festive break and may well feel stressed as organisations struggle with the impact of the recession and cost restraints.
"High blood pressure is the biggest risk factor for stroke, and elevated levels of stress, alongside lack of exercise and a bad diet are key contributors. It's imperative that everyone recognises the importance of taking regular exercise and making their diet healthier as it will help reduce your risk of stroke. HR policies that enable and encourage healthier living are good for companies and individuals."
One former law firm partner, who did not want to be named, admitted to The People Bulletin that his severe stroke in 1993 which left him with permanent communication and mobility problems and unable to work followed a highly intense period of all-hours work while the firm was involved in a large client deal. His children were three and six months old at the time.
Andreas J. Goss, chief executive of Siemens in the UK, said: "Stroke is the UK’s third biggest killer and contrary to popular belief it can affect people of any age.
"Siemens is delighted to be able to use our partnership with the GB Rowing Team to help build awareness, raise much needed funds for The Stroke Association and to encourage people to take up regular exercise as part of an overall healthy lifestyle. I’ll be doing my bit, and encouraging our employees to do the same so please visit the website and have some fun taking part in Stroke for Stroke 2011."
www.strokeforstroke.co.uk
[1] The research was conducted by One Poll in September 2010 and questioned 2,000 participants.