The Chief Executive, Stroke
Action Foundation, Mrs Rita Melifonwu, said on Saturday that stroke was the
leading cause of death and disability globally.
Melifonwu in Abuja, ahead of the
World Stroke Day 2017, scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 29.
According to her, the day
provides an annual opportunity for stakeholders to coordinate awareness and
advocacy campaigns to reduce the burden of stroke at global, regional and local
level.
Melifonwu explained that stroke
is an attack on the brain that occurs when the flow of blood is interrupted by
a blood clot or broken blood vessel.
She said every two seconds,
stroke attacks a person in the world regardless of age, gender, education,
religion or economic background.
“The ailment is currently an
epidemic in Nigeria; this is because presently its prevalence rate in the
country is estimated at 205,200 each year,
“The World Stroke records showed
that one in six people will suffer a stroke in their lifetime, however, this
year; the foundation would be focusing on risk awareness and prevention.
“We are calling on all
individuals, families, communities, health professionals and governments to
raise awareness of key stroke risks and take action to prevent stroke,’’
Melifonwu said.
She identified the risk factor of
stroke as high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, overweight, lack of exercise,
poor diet, high cholesterol, excessive alcohol intake and lack of stroke
awareness.
Melifonwu said that stroke could
be prevented if necessary precautions are taken, adding that most Nigerians are
unaware of the cause and symptoms of stroke as well as how to respond when it
occurs.
She mentioned that early
recognition of signs of stroke, changes in lifestyle, health check, risk factor
management and early intervention through stroke awareness, could make a
difference and substantially improve outcomes.
Melifonwu, however, urged the
Minister of Health and Commissioners for Health in all state ministries to
encourage citizens to engage in a ‘walk and run against stroke’.
An activity she said was
scheduled on World Stroke Day Oct. 29, to raise awareness on the importance of
physical activity in stroke prevention.
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