The Bermuda Hospitals Board has reminded people to take care of their physical and mental health during the holiday season.

A spokeswoman said sleep deprivation, psychosocial stress, overconsumption of food and alcohol, and physical inactivity, which are all common during the holidays, can increase the risk of strokes and other health conditions.

Srinatth Meadipudi, director of the BHB Primary Stroke Centre, explained: “In the US, more strokes are reported from November to February.

“That’s why we are encouraging the public again to get to the hospital as fast as possible at the earliest indication that someone may be experiencing a stroke.”

Dr Meadipudi said the BE FAST campaign, which explains how to spot the early symptoms of a stroke, resulted in a “significant increase in the number of people attending the hospital at the first signs” of the condition.

He added: “When people seek emergency care quickly, our physicians can administer tenecteplase, a blood clot-busting drug, within the crucial time window.

“This treatment greatly improves stroke outcomes and helps stroke patients achieve better recovery.

“Every minute matters, and presenting to the emergency department as soon as possible allows us to deliver the best possible care to those in need.”

• Visitbermudahospitals.bm/services-listing/acute-inpatient-care/primary-stroke-centre/for more information about strokes