October 29, 2022 #WorldStrokeDay
Stroke awareness means knowing how to recognize when someone is experiencing a stroke. Knowing the B.E.F.A.S.T. warning signs can help anyone recognized when a stroke may be happening and initiate the ‘Emergency 911 Call’.
Stroke affects 1 in 4 of us. This year 12.2 million people will have a stroke, 6.5 million – over half – will die as a result. Worldwide 110 million people have experienced stroke and live with impacts that can include severe physical disability, communication difficulties, changes in how they think and feel, loss of work, income and social networks.
Improving prevention and treatment of stroke and providing on going support with rehabilitation and life after stroke is essential.
Up to 90% of strokes could be prevented by addressing a small number of risk factors, including hypertension, diet, smoking and exercise. Preventive action on stroke would also contribute to a massive scale reduction in stroke and would contribute to global goals to reduce cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and other significant causes of death and suffering worldwide.
Cut Stroke in Half
The World Stroke Organization is leading the development and implementation of an integrated prevention strategy that has potential to cut stroke in half by 2030. With a focus on low and middle income countries where stroke is not only more prevalent but has the most devastating impact the strategy includes:
- Access to low-dose combination therapy for patients at medium risk of stroke
- Development of stroke specialist Community Healthworkers
- Access to innovative mobile technologies that support access to prevention infomormation
https://www.world-stroke.org/world-stroke-day-campaign/why-stroke-matters/stroke-prevention