A DVD which aims to create awareness of the Stroke is being distributed to households with Asian Image this month.

The story of an Asian Family affected by Stroke is a new DVD from UCLan.

The DVD is in Hindi with English subtitles and is being distributed door to door along with Asian Image. Anyone who misses out can pick-up the DVD from the Asian Image offices in Blackburn.

It has been produced in partnership with Healthy Living in Blackburn and the stroke research team from the University of Central Lancashire. The DVD tells the story of the devastating effect a stroke had on one family.

Professor Caroline Watkins who led the team said “People from the Indian sub-continent are more likely than the general population to suffer a stroke. Stroke is the third biggest killer in the UK and the number one cause of disability in adults. It can have a major impact on families”.

The DVD is presented like a short drama and is both interesting and informative.

As the story is told it gives information about the signs and symptoms of stroke.

It also mentions the link between diabetes and stroke.

Prof. Watkins adds “Diabetes is common in Asian minority groups. It is not generally known that diabetes is a risk factor for stroke, so managing diabetes is important.

“Although stroke can be devastating for all those concerned, much can be done now for both prevention, and recovery after a stroke”.

The final message of the DVD is that suffering stroke symptoms should be treated as an emergency situation, and describes the message provided by the Stroke Association; to act FAST call 999 and tell them you have had stroke!.

You can watch the video on the University of Central Lancashire website at: www.uclan.ac.uk/strokevideo