World Stroke Day, a yearly event, celebrated on October 29, led by the World Stroke Organisation, aims to raise awareness about stroke prevention and encourage individuals to act.
With theme, “Be #GreaterThanStroke”,
This year’s campaign emphasises the importance of stroke prevention, highlighting that one in four individuals will experience a stroke in their lifetime. However, Stroke Action Nigeria in a statement said almost all strokes can be prevented by managing nine key risk factors: hypertension, diabetes, atrial fibrillation, obesity and overweight, lack of exercise and physical activity, smoking, alcohol drinking habits, high cholesterol levels, and diet high in fat and salt.
To prevent strokes, Stroke Action Nigeria urges everyone to engage in 30 minutes of physical activity daily, such as: walking, biking, running, swimming, yoga, team sports example football and basketball.
Stroke Action Nigeria said it is working closely with: Federal Ministry of Health’s non-communicable diseases team, African Stroke Organisation (regional partner) and World Stroke Organisation (international partner).
It said Rita Melifonwu, Founder and CEO of Stroke Action Nigeria has been re-elected to the World Stroke
Organisation’s Board of Directors for another four-year term and she will continue to play a key role in the World Stroke Campaign committee, Membership Committee, and Advisory Board, focusing on reducing the burden of strokes in Africa.
“Stroke Action Nigeria invites everyone to join the global effort to prevent strokes. Together, we can be #GreaterThanStroke,” it noted.
