Modified Lifestyle Can Prevent ‘Stroke’, Say Health Experts In Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar: Stroke, which has become a major public health challenge globally, is preventable with a modified lifestyle, said public health experts at a state-level media workshop in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday.

Speaking on ‘Prevention and Management of Stroke’ at the workshop, senior neurologist Dr Subhransu S Jena said, “One person dies of stroke in India every 6 seconds. However, in large number of cases, meaningful clinical intervention is not possible due to delay in bringing the patients to a stroke-ready facility. Thus, awareness on this silent killer should start from each individual.”

He spoke on the theme ‘Stroke 101’ for the wider understanding of the media persons. The workshop was organised by IFI Foundation in association with OdishaLIVE and Swasthya Plus Network as part of two-week public health awareness campaign in the run up to World Stroke Day observed on October 29.

Chairman of the campaign, SBCC expert and media personality Nilambar Rath said the last century was a fight against communicable diseases while the non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the bane of this century.

“Among the NCDs, stroke is taking a major toll on global health and thus impacts long term development. So, the media in all forms can play a crucial role in making people aware on stroke, identifying its symptoms and exploring the golden hour to save lives. Similarly, the communication professionals can influence policymakers for prioritising measures in preventing and strengthening stroke care,” said Dr PKB Patnaik, a public health specialist and former nodal officer of NCD with Odisha government.

The campaign titled ‘Stroke Mukta Jeebana’ (Stroke-free life) is partnered by ICMR-RMRC Bhubaneswar, Indian Public Health Association (IPHA), Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI) and Care Hospital Bhubaneswar. The initiative includes series of informational videos, media workshop, newsletter and technical sessions.

IFI Foundation, a member of the World Stroke Organisation, is building a coalition of clinical and non-clinical stakeholders to foster and coordinate a large scale comprehensive action to improve stroke prevention, response and post stroke care and rehabilitation.