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Owned by Nikhil

Stroke-Proof

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We use real evidence — not hype — to take every step possible to prevent strokes and live longer, healthier, happier lives.

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For helfy clinicians or soon to be clinicians only. A place to meet, support one another and get your questions about working with helfy answered.

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46 contributions to Stroke-Proof
🧠 Habit Formation Tip 5: Habit Stacking — Link New Habits to Old Ones
We don’t build habits in a vacuum — they grow best when anchored to routines we already do every day. This is where habit stacking comes in (from James Clear’s Atomic Habits). The idea is as follows: ➡️ “After I [current habit], I will [new habit].” By linking the new behaviour to an existing cue, you harness your brain’s natural rhythm — the cue automatically reminds you what to do next. 👉 Examples: After I come downstairs in the morning, I’ll check my blood pressure. After I finish lunch, I’ll take a 10-minute walk. After I brush my teeth, I’ll floss (or take my supplements). After I turn off my laptop, I’ll stretch for two minutes. 💡 Why it works: Your existing habits act like anchors — they’re consistent and automatic. By attaching a new behaviour to one, you skip the hardest step of all: remembering to do it. 🌱 Stroke prevention isn’t about finding more time — it’s about weaving small protective actions into the time you already have. 👉 Try this: Finish this sentence: “After I _______, I will _______.” Write it down somewhere obvious so you see it at the time you'll be doing the cue habit - and then post your answer below in the group — you might just inspire someone else’s next habit!
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Neuropathy
Anyone else find they struggle with neuropathy as the seasons change? My hand feels so stiff and my toes feel like I could snap them off
1 like • 8d
Anecdotally I hear it very commonly that people feel their neuropathy (or nerve/neurological pain) is worse when seasons change but I have no idea why it happens. I'll look it up!
0 likes • 2d
I've looked into this and couldn't find one definitive answer but did find a few theories: 1. Temperature sensitivity It could just be that the damage to your neurology means you experience even slight changes in temperature as pain. 2. Barometric pressure and humidity Changes in barometric pressure (the pressure of the air around us) can subtly affect tissues and fluid dynamics, particularly around nerves. - When pressure drops (as before a storm), tissues may swell slightly, which can worsen compression in areas like the spine or feet. - People with neuropathy, arthritis, or previous nerve injury often notice this as increased pain or burning. 3. Vitamin D and sunlight As seasons change — especially moving into autumn/winter — vitamin D levels drop, which has been linked to: - Worsening nerve pain in some studies. - Increased inflammation and reduced mood (which can amplify pain perception). 4. Circadian and mood changes Shorter daylight hours can mess with your sleep. Being tired can in turn make your brain less resilient and your neuropathy worse. 5. Circulation and swelling In cooler months, reduced activity and tighter clothing (like boots and socks) can impair circulation or slightly increase nerve compression Do any of these theories feel like they might explain it for you Matt?
🧠 Small Steps, Big Impact: Making Brisk Walking a Habit
Getting 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week is linked to a reduced risk of stroke. And one of the easiest ways to get started? Brisk walking. It’s simple, free, and surprisingly powerful for your brain and heart health. 🚶‍♀️ Why Brisk Walking Deserves a Spot in Your Routine: - Gets your blood flowing and lowers blood pressure - Clears your mind and eases anxiety - Improves your cholesterol profile - Helps manage weight and blood sugar 💬 How do you know if you're walking briskly? You should be able to talk, but not sing - that’s the brisk zone! 📱 Want a simple way to stay on track? Try the Active 10 App Not sure if your walking counts as brisk? Or just need a bit of motivation? The NHS-recommended Active 10 app tracks your pace, helps you set goals, and celebrates your progress. It’s free, easy to use, and surprisingly satisfying. I was curious about my own walking habits at work, so I downloaded it. After a busy 12-hour shift, I checked the app- -only 3 minutes of brisk walking. So disappointing! I felt constantly on the move, but the app reminded me: pace matters. ❓ Have you ever used Active 10 or another tracker? What did you discover about your walking habits?
1 like • 3d
Really interesting. I must admit that I haven't thought before about the pace of my walking. I saw an article online recently about this new " Japanese walking trend" that Longevity experts are recommending. I wonder if it's the same thing?
0 likes • 2d
I can imagine that is really tough Matt. But remember that everything you do counts. Even if you can't walk as fast as you'd like, just getting up and doing something is better than most people. Have you tried a stationary bike? That might need less balance, and if you put it in front of the TV it might be quite fun too!
Thank goodness for the NHS
I'm 3 years post double stroke and I just want to say that the help and support I continue to receive from the NHS is nothing short of brilliant. From my acute week, through the 11 weeks I spent in the specialist rehabilitation hospital. The physio and ot support at home when I was discharged, to the ongoing outpatient physio sessions I still attend every few weeks. I also receive 4 monthly botox injections under the care if the Walton Centre. A massive THANK YOU to every single medical professional who has helped me from day one, including the paramedics of course, I couldn't have got this far without all of that input. My wife,my sons,my friends, my employers also get a huge THANK YOU too. I feel lucky and extremely grateful to have such amazing support and help. Just wanted to post that here.
2 likes • 4d
Thanks Andy, That's so nice to hear and I'm so glad that you had such excellent care. I think it can feel increasingly difficult for NHS staff these days to feel that they are delivering the care that they would like to do with all of the pressures on the system. However, most of the time we still do deliver great care and it's lovely to read that you had such a great experience.
🧠 Habit Formation Tip 4: Make it Satisfying
We’re wired to repeat what feels good. That’s why so many unhealthy habits stick — they give instant rewards. So if we want to build good habits the aim is to make healthy habits feel just as satisfying. When the reward is immediate, your brain learns, “This is worth doing again.” 👉 How to make healthy habits satisfying: 💡Track progress visually. Tick boxes, streak charts, or apps that show your momentum — progress feels good. This is a favourite of mine. 💡Celebrate the behaviour, not just the outcome. Don’t wait until your blood pressure drops — celebrate each time you check it. 💡Pair it with a reward. Enjoy your favourite coffee after your morning walk or a few minutes of relaxation after meal prepping. 📚 Charles Duhigg describes this as completing the habit loop: cue → routine → reward. Without the reward, the loop stays open and the habit doesn’t stick. Remember — consistency, not perfection, drives real change. The goal isn’t to be perfect every day; it’s to feel good about showing up and to celebrate the small wins - they soon add up! 👉 Question: What’s one healthy habit you could make instantly more rewarding so it sticks? ✔️ I'm off to update my tick chart!
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Nikhil Sharma
4
55points to level up
@nikhil-sharma-3276
I'm on a mission to prevent a million strokes and create 100 million years of health by teaching the principles of evidence based Longevity medicine.

Active 8h ago
Joined Aug 19, 2025
United Kingdom