Good afternoon. With it being Easter weekend a lot of people, including myself are away on Sunday. As such I'm going to cancel our usual Monday catch up, but we will post in the group and arrange a catch up after Easter. Wishing everyone a lovely bank holiday weekend.

With holidays like Easter approaching, it’s natural for routines to shift. Visiting family, travelling, or spending time away from home can disrupt usual eating habits, activity levels, and sleep. The good news? You don’t need to be perfect. Keeping just a few key healthy habits can make a meaningful difference to stroke prevention and overall wellbeing. You can enjoy the break and look after your health. 🍽️ Start with the good stuff Fill half your plate with vegetables, salad, or soup before reaching for richer dishes. They will fill you up so you’re less likely to overeat richer foods. Try: a small bowl of vegetable soup before the main meal. 🚶 Move after you eat Even a short walk helps regulate blood pressure and blood sugar after larger meals. Try: a 10‑minute stroll after lunch - invite others to join you. 🟢 If your usual exercise routine isn’t possible, don’t give up completely. Do something, even a little, every bit of movement counts. 💧 Be mindful with alcohol Alcohol can raise blood pressure. Alternating drinks with water helps hydration and control. Try: sparkling water with lemon between alcoholic drinks. 🕐 Don’t skip meals Skipping meals to “save room” often leads to overeating later. Try: Greek yoghurt, a boiled egg, or a light snack earlier in the day. 🧠 Eat slowly It takes time for your brain to recognise fullness. Try: put your fork down between bites or pause halfway through and check how you feel. 💊 Keep up your medication Changes in routine can make medicines easier to forget. Try: set a daily phone reminder, even during holidays. 😴 Protect your sleep Late nights and poor sleep can affect blood pressure and energy levels. Try: keep a regular bedtime where possible. 💚 Be kind to yourself One heavier meal doesn’t undo your progress. What matters is what you do next. Try: if one meal was rich, choose something lighter later — no guilt, just balance. 🌱 REMEMBER Small, consistent choices, especially during changes in routine have a real impact on blood pressure, cholesterol, and stroke risk. You don’t have to be perfect. Just keep going.

Hi, sorry I missed the catch up on Monday. I fell over and broke my shoulder 😳. Feeling very sorry for my self 😞. Fortunately still have some roasted chickpeas to cheer myself up 😅

Recipe, Hope you can read it

Good evening. I'm afraid I've gone on a last minute family trip and so won't be able to do the community call tomorrow. I've moved it to Monday for now, but if you would prefer me to put it back to Saturday so you can all catch up in happy to do so. Nik