In Somerset, more than 101,000 adults have been diagnosed with high blood pressure. And for every ten people diagnosed with high blood pressure, seven remain undiagnosed and untreated. 

That's extremely worrying to our charity as high blood pressure is the biggest single risk factor for a stroke. 

Please consider making a New Year's Resolution to lower your blood pressure, even by a small amount, to help stay healthy in 2023. 

One way to do this is to reduce your sodium intake. Most sodium is in the salt we eat and that's why we're proud to support Season with Sense, a public health campaign which aims to drive down consumer sodium intake. Find out more at www.seasonwithsense.com. 

By making small changes to our diet – such as cutting the amount or type of salt we use – we can greatly reduce our risk of serious health conditions such as stroke. 

We know it can be hard to cut out salt completely, so it's good to know there are alternatives to regular table, sea and rock salts, such as LoSalt® - which has two thirds less sodium (66%), without any taste compromise.  

When you're out shopping, look out for the special tubs of LoSalt® on sale in supermarkets. For every tub sold, a 20p donation will be made to the Stroke Association to help fund the vital work we do to support stroke survivors and carers. Last year, the promotional tubs raised a staggering £30,000, all of which helped towards rebuilding lives.  

The tubs will also have information on the FAST test. Face, Arms, Speech, are the most common signs that someone is having a stroke. Time tells you that Stroke is a medical emergency and you must phone 999 straight away. By Acting FAST you could save someone's life or reduce the likelihood of serious disability. 

Please note that if you take certain types of medication that affect potassium levels, LoSalt® and other reduced sodium salt alternatives may not be suitable for you. This may include people receiving medication for diabetes, heart or kidney disorders. Check with your GP for advice. 

Juliet Bouverie OBE 

Chief Executive 

The Stroke Association