Hospital offers free health screenings

Life Brenthurst Hospital is driving stroke awareness by lighting up its facility in green during Stroke Awareness Week taking place during October with World Stroke Day being observed on Tuesday, 29 October.

Lime green is the global colour used in driving stroke awareness and the ‘light it up in the green’ campaign supports this global initiative.

The local community is invited to participate in free education and awareness activities being held at the hospital on Wednesday, 30 October.

“The public needs to be aware of what a stroke is, have knowledge about stroke symptoms and more importantly what to do in case you suspect a stroke,” said Pragna Patel.

If you are having a stroke, your chances of recovery would depend on two critical factors – somebody recognising that you are experiencing a stroke and quickly getting help from emergency medical services being taken to a stroke-ready hospital.

By taking note of these FAST facts, you could help to detect stroke early:

Face: Smile and see if one side of the face droops

Arm: Raise both arms. Does one arm drift down?

Speech: Repeat any sentence. Is there trouble speaking or understanding?

Time: Think quickly. Every minute counts in accessing care.

According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 80 per cent of heart disease and strokes can be prevented – underscoring the importance of education around stroke.

Prof Pamela Naidoo, CEO of the Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa stated, “The public needs to be aware that adopting healthy behaviours is key to the prevention of heart disease and strokes. It is important to know your blood pressure measure, eat nutritious food, engage in physical activity, avoid excessive alcohol use and quit tobacco smoking.”

Carica Combrink, Angels Initiative lead added, “People closest to us are the ‘first responders’ when a stroke occurs. If they can act with certainty and speed to secure emergency treatment, we can save many lives and reduce the severity of a long-term disability.”

For each minute a stroke goes untreated, a person loses around 1.9 million neurons. Being able to recognise stroke symptoms quickly and going to your nearest emergency hospital is crucial. If you know how to spot stroke symptoms, you can get help faster, which can save a life and reduce disability. Use the FAST acronym to recognise the signs of a stroke.

Throughout the week, Life Healthcare hospitals across the country in partnership with the stroke-awareness Angels Initiative and the Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa will be working to drive stroke awareness to empower members of the public to recognise and respond appropriately in a stroke emergency.

Details: Life Health Care Group 011 219 9000.

Related Article: 

https://northeasterntribune.co.za/244109/save-hero-learning-stroke/