The Bermuda Hospitals Board has encouraged people to be conscious of their health after announcing that its Emergency Department deals with an average of five strokes a week.

A BHB spokeswoman revealed the figure, which amounted to more than 200 stroke victims each year.

Srinath Meadipudi, the director of the BHB’s Primary Stroke Centre, said: “Our Primary Stroke Centre provides comprehensive stroke services, but we would like the public to take necessary actions to prevent stroke in the first instance and to seek medical care immediately if affected by stroke.

“Knowing the risks and taking conscious action to reduce them will help you avoid becoming a stroke victim.”

Dr Meadipudi was speaking ahead of World Stroke Day on October 29.

The BHB reminded the public that regular physical activity could drastically reduce the chances of having a stroke.

It said that 30 minutes of exercise five times a week cut down the risk of a stroke by 20 to 25 per cent.

Physical activity after a stroke also aids in recovery and the quality of life for stroke patients.

The BHB also reminded the public of the acronym “Be Fast” to recognise and respond to stroke symptoms in themselves or others.

“B” is for balance, as in a sudden loss of balance and dizziness or a headache, while “E” stands for eyes and reminds people to take note of sudden blurred vision.

“F” stands for face, because one side of a person’s face may droop; “A” represents arms, as a sudden weakness in an arm or leg may occur; “S” is for speech and warns that a person having a stroke may have difficulty speaking.

If any of these are present, the “T” for time reminds people to call an ambulance as soon as possible.

“At BHB, we are encouraging all our staff to take the stairs where possible, instead of using elevators,” Dr Meadipudi said.

“We invite the public to join our take the stairs effort or to create a movement goal that better suits their environment on October 28.”