October 29 – World Stroke Day

At the initiative of the World Stroke Organization (WSO) since 2006 the world celebrates World Stroke Day. The purpose of this day is to draw attention to cerebrovascular disorders, raise awareness of this problem, and help people prevent it.

What is Stroke

A disruption of the blood supply to the brain that causes oxygen starvation, brain damage and disabilities. It happens as a result of a blood clot in an artery supplying blood to the brain. The second reason is a hemorrhage, when a burst blood vessel causes blood to leak into the brain.

This disorder can cause permanent damage, including partial paralysis and impaired speech, cognitive skills and memory.

Symptoms of stroke

The earlier help is provided, the more likely you are to survive and avoid severe complications. Call an ambulance immediately if you notice the following signs in yourself or a person near you:

Facial drooping, especially on one side;
Weakness or numbness of one half of the body, inability to raise the arm;
Difficulties with speech – it is impossible to get the words and understand the person;
Visual impairment and loss of balance, dizziness;
Extremely severe headache.

There is even an acronym for rapid response to stroke symptoms – FAST: Face, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty and Timely emergency service. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), these timely identified signs and a quick response to them can significantly reduce the mortality and severe consequences of stroke.

Risk Factors

One of the main clinical risk factors is high blood pressure due to atherosclerosis. In addition, it is:

Smoking;
Harmful use of alcohol;
Lack of physical activity;
Unhealthy diet;
Atrial fibrillation;
Raised blood lipid levels (cholesterol);
Obesity;
Stress and depression.

There is also a genetic disposition that we cannot influence, but if other factors are eliminated, this risk can be leveled.

Facts about stroke

Stroke has already reached epidemic proportions. Worldwide, one in four adults over the age of 25 will have it in their lifetime. 12.2 million people in the world have their first stroke every year, and 6.5 million die from it. More than 110 million people in the world have experienced a stroke, and about half of them will die in the next 5 years.
The rate increases significantly with age, but more than 60% occur in people under the age of 70, and 16% – in people under the age of 50.
Globally, 70% of strokes and 87% of stroke-related deaths, as well as reduced life expectancy caused by disability, occur in low- and middle-income countries.

The best contribution to the prevention is the early elimination of the risk factors mentioned above.

On this day, you can join the international stroke prevention campaign. For example, write a post about it in social networks with the hashtag #Precioustime with a link to the World Stroke Organization campaign page.

You are suggested to take a selfie with a clock. Like in the background of an iconic one in your city. Or just make a selfie with the watch you wear on your wrist. Then create a special message about the importance of knowing the signs of stroke. You can copy the text from this article.

At the School of Women’s Health, we do everything to ensure that you can learn all aspects of your health and take care of yourself.

A happy woman is healthy and educated!