Every October 29, World Stroke Day is recognised to raise awareness about the serious nature of stroke. This health day also makes the population understand the various prevention and effective treatment options available for this debilitating condition and assures better care and support for stroke survivors. Several health campaigns are organised across the world emphasizing the need for education, timely screening, and other initiatives taken to enhance the challenging effects of stroke. This health event was first organised in 2006 by the World Stroke Organization (WSO) and stroke was declared as a public health emergency by WSO in the year 2010.
Stroke can affect anyone, at any age. As per statistics about 1 in 4 adults over the age of 25 will have a stroke attack in their life span. Unfortunately, most people are not aware of the F.A.S.T. warning signs of a stroke and that stroke is highly preventable, treatable, and fightable. Prevent stroke today for better moments tomorrow. This year’s theme set by the WSO is “Together we are#Greaterthan Stroke”. This health campaign is focused on stroke prevention and people are being encouraged to ‘take action’ by getting informed about and taking measures to manage the risk factors.
Also Read: World Stroke Day 2021: Learn How To Spot Early Warning Signs Of Stroke
Significance of World Stroke Day
A stroke also called a brain attack, which means the blood supply to the brain will be halted suddenly owing to the blockage in the blood vessels. This can be an abrupt block or rupture of a blood vessel. In most cases, blockage of blood vessels will take place due to various factors that develop over a certain period of time. Some of the signs and symptoms of stroke include numbness, or weakness in the face, arms and legs, altered state of mind, difficulty speaking, understanding speech, dizziness, loss of balance, and trouble walking. The impacts of stroke will be permanent or temporary damage to a region of the brain resulting in death or long-term disability of certain body regions or paralysis.
Some of the measures to be followed to avert the risk of a brain stroke include:
- Quit smoking.
- Restrict alcohol consumption
- Lead a healthy lifestyle
- Stay physically active and get regular exercise
- Modify dietary habits such as limiting sodium, meat, and sweet intake
- Regular health checkups
- Monitoring blood pressure regularly
Also Read: 6 Simple Ways To Lower The Risk Of Stroke
What To Do Instead Of Getting Another Stroke?
Reports state that about one in four stroke survivors suffers a second one but it doesn’t have necessarily to be that way. To mitigate your risk, discuss with your doctor to have a secondary stroke prevention plan and adhere to it.
Preventive Checklist To Follow
Stroke survivors should ensure to follow these steps instead of having another attack :
- Know the cause of stroke
- Control high blood pressure
- Maintain lipid profile
- Regulate blood sugar
- Lead an active lifestyle
- Eat a wholesome and balanced meal
- Shed surplus weight
- Quit smoking
- Know about the treatment plan
- Never skip medicines and have them as prescribed
- Join a physical therapy program that includes exercise, education and counselling
Remember, ‘when stroke strikes, every second counts. A stroke is always a medical emergency. The longer it goes left untreated, the higher the chance of surviving or long-lasting damage to vital organs. Time lost is brain lost. Thus, learn to recognise the signs of stroke using the letters F-A-S-T and lead a hale and active life.
