Jaipur, 28th October : A stroke may occur suddenly, to anyone, anytime. It takes place when there is an interruption of blood flow to the brain or a ruptured blood vessel that denies the brain oxygen and nutrients. With the current hectic lifestyles, long work hours, stress, sedentary lifestyles and erratic eating, increasingly more individuals in their 30s and 40s are also becoming vulnerable to the risk of stroke.
In India, stroke remains one of the leading causes of long-term disability and death. But the good news is that most strokes are preventable. Through easy lifestyle modifications, routine health check-ups and prompt medical attention, as many as 80% of strokes can be prevented.
This year’s theme, “Every Minute Counts,” highlights the critical importance of time when a stroke occurs. The faster one reacts, the greater the chances of recovery. Every minute lost can cause additional brain damage, while every minute saved can help preserve speech, movement and independence.
The key is F.A.S.T. awareness:
• F – Face: Is the face on one side drooping?
• A – Arm: Is one arm weak or numb?
• S – Speech: Is the person's speech slurred or unusual?
• T – Time: Don't delay — go to the hospital right away.
If any of these symptoms occur, even for a few seconds, treat it like an emergency. Early medical treatment can be the difference between complete recovery and permanent disability.
Dr Neetu Ramrakhiani, Director – Neurology, Fortis Hospital, Jaipur said “Stroke is no longer just an older person's disease. We now have so many patients in their 30s and 40s, individuals balancing work pressure, improper diets, and minimal exercise. Unfortunately, most of these conditions could have been prevented. Keep a regular check on your blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels, and never ignore early warning signs. Getting assistance on time can save brain and life as its rightly said Time is Brain.”
Dr Vikas Gupta, Additional Director – Neurology, Fortis Hospital, Jaipur said "Even a moment of weakness, dizziness, or trouble speaking should not be ignored. These might be the symptoms of a mini-stroke, your body's warning signal. Keep moving, eat fresh, stop smoking, and keep your stress levels under check. Prevention does not have to be complex; it just has to be regular”.
This World Stroke Day, let's consciously make a point to recognize the signs, respond with speed, and urge others to do the same. Because in stroke battle, every minute really counts.
