Uniting Globally to Be #GreaterThan Stroke

Highlights:

Strokes can affect anyone, leading to significant disability and death worldwide
The theme for World Stroke Day 2023 emphasizes global unity against the challenges of stroke
Recognizing symptoms and understanding risk factors are crucial in preventing and treating strokes

Every year, World Stroke Day is observed on October 29th to raise awareness about the impact and seriousness of strokes. In 2023, the chosen theme is "Together We Are #GreaterThan Stroke" (). This theme reflects the global collective effort needed to address the challenges of strokes, both for individuals who suffer from them and the broader community. Strokes can be devastating, but with unity, understanding, and action, we can become more potent than the problem itself.

Stroke
Stroke can cause permanent disability and it is important to recognize its early warning signs to stop its progress. Early warning signs of stroke include sudden weakness of facial muscles.

‘On World Stroke Day 2023, we stand united against the challenges of strokes! Let's champion the message that together, we are indeed 'Greater Than Stroke'. #strokeawareness’

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What is Stroke

Strokes occur when there's a sudden interruption of blood flow to a part of the brain, either due to a clot (ischemic stroke) or bleeding (hemorrhagic stroke). Without prompt treatment, strokes can lead to significant brain damage and are among the leading causes of disability and death globally.

It's estimated that globally, one in four people will have a stroke in their lifetime. Strokes do not discriminate; they can affect anyone, anytime, at any age. The physical, emotional, and financial impact on stroke survivors, their families, and communities is immense.

Beauty Parlor Stroke Syndrome
Beauty parlor stroke syndrome is a form of vertebrobasilar insufficiency that causes symptoms of mild to severe stroke after a hair wash in a beauty parlor.

World Stroke Day 2023 Theme: Together We Are #GreaterThan Stroke

This year's theme emphasizes the power of collective effort. As the name suggests, "Together We Are #GreaterThan Stroke" is a call to action for everyone - healthcare professionals, caregivers, survivors, policymakers, and the general public - to unite in the fight against this life-altering event.

The tag "#GreaterThan Stroke" serves multiple purposes:

Awareness:
It brings to the fore the magnitude of the stroke challenge while highlighting the fact that with concerted effort, we can overcome it.
Solidarity:
The hashtag shows unity, signifying a global community standing up against the debilitating consequences of strokes.
Advocacy:
By trending on platforms like Google, Twitter, Instagram, and other social media, it aims to garner attention, pushing for more research, better policies, and improved medical facilities for stroke treatment and prevention.

Stress and the Gender Divide
Stress has become entwined in the current lifestyle of a young working couple and has resulted in the rise in incidence of hypertension, diabetes and psychosomatic illnesses.

Why World Stroke Day Matters

Education:
Many are unaware of the signs of a stroke. Through awareness campaigns on World Stroke Day, people can learn to recognize symptoms like sudden numbness, confusion, trouble speaking, and more, leading to faster medical interventions.
Prevention:
The day brings attention to risk factors associated with strokes, including high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, and obesity. Knowledge can lead to preventive measures, reducing the incidence of strokes.
Support:
Stroke survivors and their families often need support during the recovery process. World Stroke Day events and activities highlight the resources available, both in terms of medical rehabilitation and emotional support.

As we mark World Stroke Day 2023, let's remember that together, our efforts can create a ripple effect, leading to more awareness, better prevention strategies, and improved support for stroke survivors. The theme, "Together We Are #GreaterThan Stroke," is not just a slogan; it's a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we unite for a cause. So, let's use the trending platforms, knowledge, and resources at our disposal to ensure that strokes are no longer seen as unbeatable adversaries but challenges that, together, we can overcome.

Reference:

World Stroke Day 2023 - (https://www.world-stroke.org/world-stroke-day-campaign/world-stroke-day-2023)

Source-Medindia

How to Deal with a Stroke
Stroke is a brain attack, which occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted. It affects all age groups; according to the WHO, 15 million people are affected by stroke annually.