The World Stroke Organization was formed by the merging of the International Stroke Society and World Stroke Federation, which in turn was responsible for establishing the World Stroke Day in 2004. This year’s World Stroke Day will be celebrated on the 29th of October with the slogan – “Join The #MoveMent” emphasizing the need for exercise through any kind of physical activity (dancing, yoga, etc.).
What Is a Stroke?
A stroke is basically an assault on the brain. When the blood supply to the brain is cut off due to the destruction of a blood vessel, a stroke takes place. This causes a shortage of oxygen to the brain causing the brain cells to be damaged and eventually die. Therefore, a stroke can result in death or a state of brain damage with permanent disability (paralysis).
Symptoms of a Stroke
It has been found that 1 in 4 people will suffer a stroke in their life. Stroke commonly occurs in both men and women over the age of 25. A basic manner of identifying stroke symptoms would be by using the mnemonic F.A.S.T.:
- Face drooping
- Arm weakness
- Speech difficulty
- Time to call the hospital
While symptoms of stroke in men may be by the book, a woman’s will be quite often subtle and non-traditional. Aside from the above, women may also have general weakness, disorientation & confusion with memory problems, inexplicable fatigue, nausea, and vomiting.
Reduce the Risk of Stroke
Certain risk factors of stroke such as age, race, gender and family history are above and beyond one’s control. But following a change in lifestyle may help to reduce the risk of stroke. These steps will help in reducing the chances of stroke:
- Eat healthy
- Monitor your blood pressure
- Regulate your cholesterol
- Control your blood sugar down
- Be active
- Lose weight if you need to
- Avoid smoking
- Take medications, as prescribed
How Can Technology Help?
The usage of technology in the fight against Stroke is not new but having access to such technology at one’s fingertips has reduced the risk of stroke in more ways than one. Utilizing apps like Stroke Riskometer, the risk of stroke can be assessed beforehand and reduced immediately with just a few swipes thanks to the advent of smartphone technology.
For more information on the National Stroke Association of Sri Lanka:
Website : https://www.stroke.lk/
Phone : +(94) 11 2682630, +(94) 11 2682630
Email : nationalstroke@gmail.com
Address : “Wijerama House”, 06. Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7 (Sri Lanka)
For more information:
- https://www.world-stroke.org/world-stroke-day-campaign/world-stroke-day#
- https://www.world-stroke.org/world-stroke-day-campaign/world-stroke-day/world-stroke-global-dance-chain
- https://www.heart.org/en/news/2019/05/31/is-it-fatigue-or-a-stroke-women-shouldnt-ignore-these-warning-signs
- https://www.world-stroke.org/world-stroke-day-campaign/world-stroke-day/world-stroke-day-2020-tools
- https://www.stroke.org/en/about-the-american-stroke-association/world-stroke-day
- https://www.heart.org/en/news/2019/05/31/is-it-fatigue-or-a-stroke-women-shouldnt-ignore-these-warning-signs
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1747-4949.2011.00625.x
