World Stroke Day Event Set For October 27th

World Stroke Day, to be observed on October 29, with a drop-in education event set for October 27 at Queen Elizabeth Park.

A spokesperson said, “Each year, October 29 is observed as World Stroke Day, which aims to create awareness about strokes; either a blood clot [ischemic attack] or a bleed [haemorrhage] is a life-threatening event that can cause severe damage to the brain and implicates a life-changing journey for the patient as well as their entire family and/or support system.

“Strokes are the second leading cause of death globally and the leading cause of disability. Here in Bermuda, there are estimated 250-300 stroke incidences per year, equating to approximately five per week. Additionally, seven people a week experience a transient ischemic attack [TIA]. Although a TIA usually lasts only a few minutes and often does not cause permanent damage, these ‘ministrokes’ may be a warning sign.

“The alarming fact is that 90% of strokes could be preventable by managing controllable risk factors such as high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation [irregular heartbeat], smoking, diet, and exercise. Therefore, taking the necessary steps to reduce the risk of a stroke is important. It is essential to be checked by your doctor regularly and follow up with any recommendations made.

“It is also important to know the signs and symptoms of a stroke. A quick response is crucial in saving someone’s life and reducing damage. “Think BE FAST” as a reminder to spot the signs of a stroke, including balance, eyes, face, arms, speech, and time. Spot the signs and know how to react to help your family and friends. If you notice any of these signs, call 911 immediately.

“These signs are BE FAST. Balance: is the person dizzy or unbalanced? Eyes: is there sudden blurred vision? Face: is the face drooping? Arms: is there any arm weakness? Speech: are there any speech difficulties or slurring? Time: it is time to call 911.

“Having a stroke is a life-changing event for not only those who survive it but their family and friends as well. After the stroke the rehabilitation journey begins depending on the survivors needs. Many people find their rehabilitation journey post-stroke challenging, and we want to support you through this difficult time.

“A survey completed in Bermuda found that 79% of participants felt they had unmet rehabilitation needs. The final results of the survey will be published on World Stroke Day. Your rehabilitation may involve seeing a physiotherapist, occupational therapist, speech and language therapist, clinical psychologist, dietician, and medical support.

“It may also be helpful to receive information regarding medication management, lifestyle changes, or longer-term prevention strategies.

“We must continue to push to make changes and improve rehabilitation services related to the needs of the community and stroke survivors. In the coming years, global rehabilitation needs are expected to rise, and many international healthcare agendas are pushing for affordable healthcare coverage, which includes prevention and rehabilitation.

“Bermuda has the opportunity to be a country of excellence and provide world-class rehabilitation with the right systems, structures, and funding.

“The World Stroke Association’s focus this year for World Stroke Day is that we can be #GreaterThan stroke together. As a community, we must raise awareness to support and fund rehabilitation in Bermuda. With this in mind, we are pleased to host a drop-in education event at the Queen Elizabeth Park from the Queen Street entrance, Hamilton, on Friday 27th October. The event will run from 3-5 pm.

“We invite you to visit us to learn the signs of stroke, celebrate your milestones, share your stories and connect with one another. On hand to help will be Senior Physiotherapists Kim Watkins and Sandro Fubler from Evolution Healing Centre, and others to answer any questions you may have. We look forward to meeting you. If you’d like to talk about this, please reach out to Evolution Healing Centre on 734-2772 or via email at admin@bpralliance.com.”

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