NAN-HG-2
Stroke
By Olasunkanmi Onifade
Abuja, Oct. 21, 2016 (NAN) Nigerians should make healthy lifestyle choices to reduce the risk of stroke and other heart-related diseases, Dr Biodun Ogungbo, the Director, Stroke Action Group, has advised.
Ogungbo gave the advice on Friday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja ahead of the 2016 World Stroke Day slated for Oct. 29.
NAN reports that theme of the day is: “Stroke is Treatable’’.
World Stroke Day 2016 recognises that though stroke is a complex medical issue, there are ways to significantly reduce its impacts.
Ogungbo said that the Day was designated as “a time to raise awareness for the devastating impact, causes and symptoms of stroke’’.
The expert said there was need to increase the recognition, awareness, advocacy and access to stroke care, adding that it would help in decreasing the burden of stroke.
He said that the Federal Ministry of Health, as part of the activities to mark the day, would collaborate with the group to educate Nigerians about stroke symptoms, prevention and treatment.
Ogungbo urged Nigerians to understand that stroke was treatable and preventable as long as there were proper diagnostic tools and health information.
He, however, called for awareness about the illness, saying that the main causes of stroke were high blood pressure and diabetes.
“High blood pressure or hypertension is the biggest underlying cause of stroke in Nigeria.
“Many people do not know they have high blood pressure because they have not checked.
“Common stroke symptoms include: sudden weakness of the face, arm or leg; sudden confusion; trouble speaking or understanding speech; sudden trouble walking or seeing; loss of balance; and sudden and severe headache.
“The ability to recognise these symptoms and seek medical attention immediately is critical to surviving a stroke and minimising long-term disability,’’ Ogungbo said.
He said that stroke affects people of all ages, and that several underlying factors, which put individuals at higher risk, include high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol levels, obesity, tobacco use and physical inactivity.
“Stroke is happening at an increasing rate in young people.
“We are now seeing increasing numbers of stroke victims in their early 20s. Children also suffer from stroke, but mostly those with sickle cell disease.
“There are issues surrounding obesity and sedentary lifestyles which you need to be aware of,’’ the expert said. (NAN)
OEO/EAL/GOK
Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi/Olagoke Olatoye