Training and taking part in a Resolution Run for the Stroke Association across Scotland could reduce your risk of stroke by one fifth (20%) according to Professor Tom Robinson, President of the British Association of Stroke Physicians.
Professor Robinson highlighted an overview of research studies (i) that showed that moderate (walking) to intense (jogging, cycling) physical activity can significantly reduce your stroke risk. Importantly, activities should make you break into a sweat to qualify as physical activity.
The charity’s Resolution Run campaign in Scotland is a series of 5K and 10K events (Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow.) Participants can choose one of the distances, improve their health, and reduce their risk of stroke whilst raising vital funds for the work of the Stroke Association in Scotland.
Professor Robinson said: “You don’t have to be an athlete to reduce your stroke risk, we can all do it as part of our daily routine. 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.”
He advises that being committed and having a training plan, are vital to achieving your goal. He continues: “The preparation for and taking part in a Resolution Run could reduce your stroke risk. However, it is equally important to remember that 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 too.”
Professor Gillian Mead, Professor of Stroke and Elderly Care Medicine, at University of Edinburgh, who is an expert is exercise after stroke said: ‘As well as preventing a first stroke, exercise after stroke reduces disability and improves fitness, and has the potential to improve quality of life, mood and confidence and to reduce fatigue.
“In Scotland we have been leading the way by training exercise instructors to provide safe and effective exercise classes for stroke survivors in community leisure centres. It is important to promote the benefits of exercise for stroke prevention and I am delighted that the Stroke Association’s Resolution Runs are helping to support this.”
The Stroke Association has been working with Professor Robinson to produce guidance to help you get started at https://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 three runs across the Scotland from 24 February – 10 March 2019. The events are open to all ages and abilities, and participants can walk, jog or run their way to the finish line.
Andrea Cail, Director Scotland of the Stroke Association said: “There are over 13,000 strokes in Scotland each year, 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 in Dundee, Edinburgh or Glasgow, 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.”
Entry fee is just £16. All runners receive a technical running t-shirt and medal. To enter or for more information on Resolution Runs in Scotland visit www.resolutionrun.org.uk, email resolution@stroke.org.uk 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 in Scotland.
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