As we prepare to observe World Stroke Day on October 29, alarming global statistics reveal that stroke claims over 6.5 million lives annually, with one in four individuals at risk of suffering from this silent killer
OdishaPlus Bureau
As the world prepares to observe World Stroke Day on October 29, the alarming statistics surrounding brain stroke demand attention. This silent killer claims 6.5 million lives annually, with 12 million people suffering from stroke every year.
The stark reality is that one in four individuals will experience a stroke in their lifetime, with someone succumbing to it every three seconds.
Once considered a concern exclusive to older age groups, stroke has become a major cause of worry in the Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) category, affecting people across various age groups. Uncontrolled hypertension and certain lifestyle conditions have emerged as significant contributors to this trend.
However, experts emphasize that nearly 90% of strokes can be prevented by addressing manageable risk factors, such as physical inactivity.
The importance of recognizing stroke symptoms cannot be overstated. The World Health Organization’s BE-FAST acronym serves as a valuable tool: Balance (sudden loss), Eyes (vision changes), Face (uneven smile), Arm (weakness), Speech (difficulty speaking) and Time (time to act). Identifying these signs and seeking immediate medical attention within the crucial golden hour (first four hours) can significantly improve survival rates and reduce damage.
Beyond the initial medical response, psycho-social care plays a vital role in post-stroke recovery. Survivors often face devastating effects, including cognitive impairment, emotional trauma and loss of independence. Families are shattered, and lives are forever changed. Support from loved ones, communities and healthcare professionals is essential in navigating this challenging journey.
“Stroke care extends far beyond hospitalization,” emphasizes Dr. Subhransu Sekhar Jena, a leading neurologist. “Post-stroke patients require ongoing rehabilitation, counseling and social support to regain confidence and reintegrate into their communities,” he adds.
In India, the burden of stroke is substantial, with rising incidence rates and inadequate awareness. Experts stress the need for increased public awareness campaigns, emphasizing prevention strategies and timely intervention.
The World Stroke Organization (WSO), supported by its partners, has been promoting World Stroke Day to combat this silent epidemic. By spreading awareness and advocating for preventive measures, we can reduce the devastating impact of stroke.
As we approach World Stroke Day, it is crucial to engage in conversations about stroke prevention, recognition and post-stroke care. By working together, we can create a louder voice for stroke awareness and empower communities to take action.
“By addressing manageable risk factors, increasing public awareness and making our healthcare system stroke-ready we can be #GreaterThan stroke,” asserts Sidharth Rath, Executive Director, IFI Foundation.
IFI Foundation, a non-profit org and a member of World Stroke Organization, hosts one of India’s largest media and media campaign on stroke, in collaboration with Swasthya Plus Network (a leading multi-lingual digital health platform of South East Asia) and OdishaLIVE (a leading digital news and video platform from Odisha). After a wide and successful campaign in 2023, the team is now gearing up for a 10 days long public awareness campaign from 21 to 30 October 2024 developing video content for social media on diverse topics and pulling the key stakeholders together around World Stroke Day.
“Together, we can break the silence surrounding this silent killer and create a world where stroke is no longer a life-altering event,” highlights Sidharth while inviting the governments, communities and the civil society to take action.
“Get active every day to be #GreaterThan stroke. Walk, Bike, Run, Hike, Yoga… or whatever exercise you like! We’re asking people to carry out 30 minutes a day or as much as possible,” posts World Stroke Organization (WSO) on its website promoting everyone to take action preventing stroke.
In particular, the 2024 campaign of WSO highlights: “Every second 100 billion neurons in our brains are each firing 5-50 messages, each one a vital spark of connection that ignites our unique identity, and writes the story of our life. But when a stroke strikes, that story is changed forever. This year the WSO campaign is drawing its inspiration from the power of our brain’s infinite connections, energy and capacity to overcome harnessing it to the emotional power of sport to show that as a team we have the power to be #GreaterThan stroke.
“We aim to build a movement inspired and motivated by stories of courage, resilience, inventiveness and hope from our global stroke community. From the survivors who work every day to build back their lives, the caregivers who coach and support, the healthcare teams that race against time to save lives, the rehab specialists who get people moving one step at a time, we will show that we have what it takes to deliver a world free from stroke.”
#WorldStrokeDay #GreaterThanStroke #StrokeBurden #PublicHealth #LifeFreeFromStroke
