SOCIETY & LIFESTYLE

WORLD STROKE DAY 2020 JOIN THE MOVEMENT

Stroke; the leading cause of disability and the second leading cause of death globally is no doubt burgeoning in sub-Saharan Africa due to rising incidence of cardiovascular risks such as metabolic syndrome, hypertension and diabetes. The current trend is being driven by demographic, nutritional and epidemiological transition taking place across low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Stemming this rising trend with proven preventive measures is now mandatory.

29th October of every year is marked as the world stroke day. This year’s world stroke day was themed “Join the Movement” since being active greatly helps reduce the risk of developing a stroke. So, why join the movement? The theme is to raise awareness of stroke prevention through exercise, connection and fun. The health benefits of exercise are no doubt very huge. Exercise helps control weight, while reducing the risk of heart diseases. With regular exercises, the body is able to manage blood sugar and insulin levels. Exercise increases your mental health and mood.

Do you often notice how your concentration improves after exercise? It is because exercise helps keep your thinking, learning, and judgment skills sharp! One more thing about the theme of this year world stroke day. The theme is aimed to also increase social connection and fun! Are we not social being? Yes, we are. Hence; it is good to build and maintain connections in our social circle. Those who survive a stroke face various lifelong challenges such as physical disability, communication difficulties and tend to have loss of interest in daily activity. We must be there for them while we also preach the message of prevention.

Anyone can suffer a stroke anytime and anywhere. To date approximately 80 million people have suffered a stroke worldwide. One in 4 adults will have a stroke in their lifetime. The good news is that more than 90% of strokes can be prevented by modifying the risk factors. There is a need to raise awareness of stroke and the risk factors everywhere so that preventive measures can be cultivated. Knowledge of common stroke symptoms such as sudden weakness of the face, arms and legs as well as sudden loss of sight and speech need to increase among the young and the old! We need to roll back the common risk factors such as overweight, obesity, Hypertension, Diabetes, smoking and alcohol overuse.

Can we encourage our public facilities, bus stations, trains, markets, banks and shopping malls to raise this awareness? Oh, I forgot! Our social media influencers may join the movement too. Let us rid Tanzania and Africa of stroke. Yes, we can!

Issued by;

Dr Philip B. Adebayo, Consultant

Neurologist & Dr. Nadeem

Kassam, Medicine Resident Aga

Khan Hospital, Dar es Salaam.

For more information on a stroke, visit The Aga Khan Hospital or call us at +255 22 234 4625.

All Picture Courtesy of The Aga Khan Hospital, Dar es Salaam