World Stroke Day is a day that aims to raise awareness about awareness and the importance of prevention, treatment and support for those affected. The World Health Organization (WHO) says nearly 5 million die of stroke annually and another 5 million are left permanently disabled. World Stroke Day is a time to highlight the importance of early detection of stroke symptoms and timely intervention that can help minimize the long-term effects of stroke.

A stroke is a condition when blood flow is impacted. Johns Hopkins Medicine says that the brain needs a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients in order to work well. If blood supply is stopped even for a short time, this can cause problems. Brain cells begin to die after just a few minutes without blood or oxygen. “When brain cells die, brain function is lost. You may not be able to do things that are controlled by that part of the brain.”

According to Cleveland Clinic, anybody can have a stroke, from children to adults, but there are some people who have a greater risk than others. “Strokes are more common later in life (about two-thirds of strokes happen in people over age 65).”

World Stroke Day is celebrated across the globe on October 29. This year too the day will be celebrated by healthcare experts and medical professionals to raise awareness about the condition.

World Stroke Day is an initiative of the World Stroke Organization (WSO), which was founded in 2004 at the World Stroke Congress in Vancouver, Canada. The WSO is a global network of stroke experts, researchers, and advocates who work to reduce the burden of strokes on individuals and communities. World Stroke Day is observed every year on October 29 to raise awareness about the causes, prevention, and treatment of strokes.

The theme for World Stroke Day 2024 is “#GreaterThanStroke Active Challenge.” The theme has been designated by the World Stroke Organization (WSO). The theme highlights how the impact of sports can help in stroke prevention and rehabilitation. Sports has the ability to appeal to people across all geographic, cultural and demographic lines, thereby, engaging people from all walks of life.

Hence, using sports as a powerful platform to create awareness can help reach a wide and diverse audience.

World Stroke Day holds immense significance as it is a global initiative dedicated to raising awareness about strokes and advocating for crucial preventive measures and timely treatment. Strokes, often referred to as ‘brain attacks,’ can have severe and lasting consequences, impacting people, families and communities. This day serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of understanding stroke risks, recognizing symptoms promptly, and seeking immediate medical attention.

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