World Stroke Day 2017- October 29th provides an annual opportunity for stroke stakeholders to coordinate awareness and advocacy campaigns and build commitment to reducing the burden of stroke at global, regional and local level.
World Stroke Day is focused on stroke prevention, raising awareness of stroke risks and demonstrating the steps we can all take- as individuals, professionals or decision makers – to prevent stroke.
WHAT IS A STROKE?
The sudden death of brain cells due to lack of oxygen, caused by blockage of blood flow or rupture of an artery to the brain.
EPIDEMIOLOGY OF STROKE
Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S. and the number one cause of long-term disability worldwide. It is estimated that someone dies of a stroke every 4 minutes in the U.S.
Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability in India. The estimated adjusted prevalence rate of stroke range from 84-262/100,000 in rural and 334-424/100,000 in urban areas. The incidence rate is 119-145/100,000 based on the recent population based studies.
WHY TO PREVENT STROKE?
Stroke is a leading cause of death
and disability accounting for 1 in 10 deaths.
Stroke can happen to anyone at any time and affects everyone: survivors,
family, friends, workplaces and communities.
Over 90% of strokes are linked to key risk factors. By taking steps to address
the causes of stroke at individual and population level, we have the power to
reduce the human, social and economic costs of stroke.
WARNING SIGNS OF STROKE
- Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body.
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
- Sudden trouble seeing or blurred vision in one or both eyes
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause
HOW TO PREVENT IT?
The best way to help prevent a stroke is;
- Eat a healthy diet
- Exercise regularly
- Avoid smoking and drinking too much alcohol
- Lower the blood pressure
- Maintain an ideal body weight
- Drink plenty of water
- Treat cardiac conditions if you have any
- Treat diabetes
- Do yoga and meditation
REFERRENCE
https://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=9791
https://www.health.harvard.edu/womens-health/8-things-you-can-do-to-prevent-a-stroke
https://www.health.harvard.edu/womens…/8-things-you-can-do-to-prevent-a-stroke
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3250269/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3859004/
worldstrokecampaign.org