🫀World Stroke Day 2023: History, Theme, Significance

World Stroke Day was initiated by the World Stroke Organization (WSO) on 29 October 2004. The WSO decided to celebrate this day at the World Stroke Congress in Vancouver, Canada. The world celebrates this day to spread awareness about the seriousness of high stroke rates. As per an estimate, one in four people will experience a stroke in their lifetime. These numbers can be prevented as it is possible to prevent 90% of strokes through managing risk factors such as hypertension, smoking, atrial fibrillation, exercise, and diet. Stay tuned and read this article to get more details about the history, theme, and significance of WSD, and some ways to prevent stroke!

Also Read: World Brain Tumor Day

History of World Stroke Day

Stroke is considered one of the leading causes of disability around the world. According to the analysis by the World Stroke Organization, 12 million people have a stroke every year. But, it should also be considered that with proper knowledge and management of the risk factors, 90% of strokes can be prevented. Therefore, with collective efforts, we can Be #GreaterThan Stroke.

The idea to celebrate this day came into action in 2004. In 2006, the World Stroke Organization launched the first WSD. Since then it has been marked as an annual global event in over 170 countries. 

Every year, a new theme is selected by the WSO that focuses on variable aspects of the prevention and treatment of stroke.

WSO has also developed a FAST Test which is an easy way to analyze the symptoms of stroke.

The FAST Test is:

• Face drooping
• Arm weakness
• Speech difficulty
• Time to call 911

When is World Stroke Day Celebrated?

It is an annual event that holds great significance in the field of healthcare. It is celebrated on 29 October every year. World Stroke Organization established this special day in 2004 World Stroke Congress in Vancouver, Canada. 

A Canadian neurologist, Dr Vladimir Hachinski gave the idea of this day. He is a stroke expert and was concerned about the high stroke rates in the world, limited resources and lack of knowledge also contribute to higher death rates due to stroke. So, his idea was to raise global awareness about the severity of the stroke and educate people about the methods to prevent stroke.

Also Read: World No Tobacco Day 2023

World Stroke Day 2023 Theme

The theme for this year’s World Stroke Day is “Together We Can Be #GreaterThan Stroke”. This theme gives the message of collective efforts we need to put to prevent stroke and decrease the growing risk factors related to stroke. 

As an individual, you can share the hashtag of this day on your social media handles to spread awareness about the importance of risk management factors to prevent stroke. 

Previous Year World Stroke Day Theme

Here is the list of the previous year’s theme for World Stroke Day:

Year	Theme
2022	Save #Precioustime
2021	Up Again After Stroke
2020	Join the Movement
2019	Don’t be the one
2018	Up Again after Stroke
2017	What’s your reason for preventing stroke?
2016	Face the Facts: Stroke is Treatable

Also Read: World Tuberculosis Day

Significance of World Stroke Day

This day holds great importance in the healthcare sector. As we know, stroke is the major reason for disability and death. A person can experience stroke anytime, and anywhere due to health conditions or stress. So, there was a serious need to raise awareness about the importance of preventive measures to reduce the stroke rate.

This day is devoted to raising awareness among the people through conducting campaigns, posting on social media, conducting community visits, etc.

On 29 October every year, the members, partners, and stakeholders come together to share a standard key message to prevent stroke and to take preventive actions to address and manage the risk factors associated with it. 

World Stroke Day Campaign

The World Stroke Day Campaign is working on the following:

1. Prevent stroke
2. Spot stroke
3. Treat stroke 
4. Life after stroke

Also Read: World Health Day

Causes of Stroke

The high-risk factors that cause stroke are mentioned below:

1. Hypertension
2. Smoking
3. Diet
4. Stress
5. Physical inactivity

Tips to Prevent Stroke

• 30 minutes of physical activity on a regular basis reduces the risk of stroke by 25%.
• Avoid the consumption of junk food and follow a healthy diet to avoid the chances of stroke.
• Reduce the consumption of fats. Fruits, vegetables, healthy oils, nuts and legumes make a healthy and balanced diet.
• Quit smoking and alcohol consumption. Smokers are more prone to having a stroke because it affects the cholesterol level in the body. Smoking tobacco tends to increase the level of LDL and decrease the level of HDL cholesterol.
• The major reason for stroke is hypertension or high blood pressure. When the blood supply to the brain is cut off due to the rupturing of arteries, the formation of blood clots leads to brain haemorrhage, and then a person experiences a stroke. So it is important to maintain normal blood pressure i.e. 120/80 to prevent stroke.

Also Read: Benefits of Exercise

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World Thinking Day	World Food Day
World Cerebral Palsy Day	Prevention of Blindness Week

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