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World Stroke Day 2023: World Stroke Day is celebrated around the world on October 29. #GreaterThanStroke #WorldStrokeDay2023 #WorldStrokeDay
According to experts, brain stroke is a very dangerous disease. If the victim does not receive proper treatment at the right time, their life can also be at risk. High stress, high sugar, high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, and unhealthy eating habits also increase the likelihood of a stroke. Learn about the causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention of stroke on “World Stroke Day 2023”.
World Stroke Day 2023
| Date | Celebrated every year on 29 October. |
| Theme 2023 | Be #Greater Than Stroke |
| Establishment | World Stroke Day was established in 2006 by the World Stroke Organization. |
| Website | Official Site- WSO | World Stroke Organization (world-stroke.org) |
| Description | Unhealthy eating habits and lifestyle lead to heart disease, diabetes and cholesterol build-up that causes blood clots in the arteries, which can block blood flow to the brain. |
What is a stroke?
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted or reduced, depriving the brain of oxygen and nutrients. This can happen when a blood vessel in the brain is blocked (ischemic stroke) or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts (hemorrhagic stroke). Strokes can cause brain damage and often result in various neurological and physical impairments. Immediate medical attention is crucial when someone is experiencing stroke symptoms, as early intervention can help minimize potential damage and improve outcomes.
Stroke is a brain attack that occurs when the flow of blood to the brain is blocked. In this condition, brain cells start to die due to a lack of oxygen supply. This damage to brain cells specifically affects the functions controlled by the brain, resulting in memory loss, paralysis, or even death.
The average age for the onset of a stroke is usually between 55 and 65 years, but with poor lifestyle choices, the age limit has decreased. Factors such as genetics, hereditary causes, and family history, including high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, diabetes, physical inactivity, high cholesterol levels, and an unhealthy lifestyle, are involved.
High blood pressure is a major risk factor for stroke. When blood pushes too strongly against the walls of your arteries, it can damage or weaken them, becoming a cause for stroke.
Brain stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide. Every two seconds, a stroke occurs, and every six seconds, someone’s life is taken because of a stroke. One in every four individuals will experience a stroke in their lifetime.
Despite these alarming statistics, there is a lack of awareness about it. Stroke is a dangerous condition that occurs when there is a problem with the blood supply to the brain. This happens when the blood supply is blocked or when the blood vessels inside the brain burst.
Why is World Stroke Day celebrated?
World Stroke Day is observed on October 29 every year to raise awareness about stroke, its prevention, and treatment. It aims to educate people about the risk factors and symptoms of stroke, as well as the importance of timely medical intervention. The day also serves as a reminder for individuals to adopt a healthy lifestyle to reduce the risk of stroke occurrence. Through various campaigns and events, World Stroke Day strives to promote better understanding, prevention, and rehabilitation strategies for stroke patients and their families.
World Stroke Day is an effort to raise awareness about the possibilities of stroke and ways to prevent it. This day encourages preventive measures such as adopting a healthy diet and regular exercise. It also promotes awareness about the treatment and recovery of stroke victims.
World Stroke Day was established in 2006 by the World Stroke Organization. It is observed annually on 29 October.
High blood pressure increases the risk of stroke.
The risk of stroke increases with age, with men over the age of 55 being more susceptible to stroke. In women, the main risk factors include the excessive use of birth control pills, which can raise blood pressure, and even women with a history of migraine complaints are at a higher risk of stroke.
What are the symptoms of a stroke?
Some people have to face cognitive impairments such as difficulty speaking or understanding, and confusion. Visual impairment with severe headaches can also be an initial symptom of a stroke.
Symptoms of a stroke include difficulty speaking, difficulty raising one hand, or weakness, sudden loss of balance, sudden trouble with vision in one or both eyes, and so on. Take them to a stroke unit for treatment. Never ignore these symptoms and consult a doctor without delay.
There are two types of stroke
Hemorrhagic Stroke – Medications are given to individuals suffering from a hemorrhagic stroke to prevent excessive pressure on the brain. Medications are used to reduce blood pressure and prevent the constriction of blood vessels. Then, through surgery, the blood vessels are repaired. Blood clots formed in the blood vessels can also be dissolved.
Ischemic Stroke – Tissue Plasminogen Activator (TPA) is one of the best ways to manage the condition of an ischemic stroke, where it dissolves in the blood vessel of the brain where the clot exists. This allows for complete circulation of blood in that part of the brain.
If the patient receives proper treatment within the initial few hours, brain stroke can be treated or its effects can be minimized. These hours are referred to as the golden hours. For treatment, the patient is given an intravenous injection that dissolves the clot within 5 hours.
Is there any treatment for stroke?
Fortunately, stroke can be treated because once a stroke occurs, there is a certain amount of brain damage. The first 6 hours after a stroke are golden hours for stroke treatment.
Along with medical treatment, there are also surgical interventions – surgical procedures include carotid artery surgery which helps in removing the fatty deposits (plaque) from the blocked blood vessel.
Angioplasty can also be performed using a stent to open up the blockage. The benefit can be immediate or over time, depending on various factors such as the extent of the affected area and how severely it is affected.
Ways to Stay Safe
- Keep your blood pressure, weight, and diabetes under control. Get regular check-ups.
- Include exercise, physical activity, and yoga in your daily routine.
- Have a healthy diet that includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Consume a low cholesterol and low saturated fat diet.
- Do not consume alcohol and tobacco.
World Stroke Day: Theme
Each year, World Stroke Day has a specific focus on stroke prevention and treatment. The theme for World Stroke Day 2023 is ‘Together we are #Greater Than Stroke.’
World Stroke Day: Significance
- Awareness: It helps people learn about stroke, its causes, symptoms, and risk factors. This knowledge is important for early recognition and prevention.
- Prevention: It highlights the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle to reduce the risk of stroke, including eating well, exercising, and managing chronic conditions.
- Support: The day offers help and resources to stroke survivors, their families, and caregivers, helping them understand the recovery process better.
- Advocacy: World Stroke Day promotes the need for better access to stroke care, rehabilitation, and research.
Celebrations at the Workplace
Many workplaces celebrate World Stroke Day by organizing events and activities to raise awareness about strokes. Here are some ways you can join in and celebrate World Stroke Day at your workplace:
- Educational Sessions: Host seminars or workshops to teach employees about preventing strokes, recognizing their symptoms, and the importance of a healthy lifestyle.
- Health Screenings: Arrange on-site health check-ups, like checking blood pressure and cholesterol, to help employees evaluate their stroke risk.
- Healthy Eating Initiatives: Encourage healthy eating by organizing events like a healthy potluck or offering nutritious snacks and meals in the cafeteria.
- Physical Activity: Motivate employees to be physically active by organizing group walks, yoga sessions, or providing gym access.
- Fundraising: Raise funds for charities or organizations that focus on stroke prevention and supporting stroke survivors.
Preventive Measures for Stroke
Preventing strokes means making healthy choices in your lifestyle. Here are some things you can do to prevent strokes:
- Manage High Blood Pressure: Regular check-ups and medication can help control high blood pressure, which is a significant risk factor for stroke.
- Healthy Eating: Consume a diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and limit saturated fats, salt, and sugar.
- Stay Active: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week to maintain a healthy weight and improve cardiovascular health.
- Avoid Smoking and Excessive Alcohol: Quit smoking and limit alcohol intake to reduce the risk of stroke.
- Control Diabetes: Manage diabetes through medication, a balanced diet, and regular exercise.
- Know the Warning Signs: Learn the common signs of stroke (FAST: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call emergency) and seek immediate medical attention if you experience them.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own. This is solely purposes and not a substitute for professional advice. Therefore, the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information in this article is not guaranteed.
