Stroke - act fast and save a life

World Stroke Day takes place on the 29th October and The Heart and Stroke Foundation SA (HSFSA) is calling for immediate action by all South Africans to be aware and act fast when it comes to stroke. Stroke is the third biggest cause of death in our country and is a leading cause of adult disability.

The key message for the day: Do not take chances. One in six people is at risk for stroke - it could be you. Learn the facts. Save a life today. Act Now!

In South Africa

Stroke attacks about 240 people a day, regardless of age or gender. A quarter of these people do not survive, so stroke kills 60 people every day! Many who do survive have residual disabilities.

Behind these numbers are real lives - don't allow yourself or your loved one to become a statistic. The HSFSA will promote the World Stroke Organisations message of "One in Six" which mirrors today's reality that one in six people worldwide will have a stroke in their lifetime.

The HSFSA is asking people to commit to the World Stroke Organisation's six stroke challenges:

1. Know your personal risk factors: high blood pressure, diabetes, and high blood cholesterol
2. Be physically active and exercise regularly
3. Avoid obesity by keeping to a healthy diet
4. Limit alcohol consumption
5. Avoid cigarette smoke. If you smoke, seek help to stop now
6. Learn to recognise the warning signs of a stroke

Stroke symptoms and warning signs

You may be having a stroke if you suddenly experience one or more of these symptoms:

Sudden numbness or weakness especially on one side of the body
Sudden loss of speech, trouble speaking or understanding language
Sudden loss of vision or trouble seeing in one or both eyes, or having double vision
Sudden trouble walking, loss of balance or dizziness
Sudden severe headache with no cause

Stroke is a medical emergency. If you notice any of these warning signs act fast!

What to do if someone is having a stroke

Call for an ambulance immediately, as medical help is very important within the first few hours. Remember that time lost is brain function lost! The faster you get the person to a hospital, the better their chances of recovery and you could save a life.

Some people who have had a stroke caused by a blood clot, may need special clot-busting treatment called tPA. In these cases, the treatment must be given within the first 3 hours of stroke, it is therefore important to know the time when symptoms first appeared.

Make sure that you and your family are familiar with emergency numbers. Keep these ambulance service numbers handy:

Public: 10177
Private: Netcare: 082 911 or ER24:084 124

Don't become another statistic - contact the Heart Mark Diet Line on 0860 223 222 or visit the HSFSA website at www.heartfoundation.co.za for more details about what you can do to change your lifestyle to reduce your risk of stroke.