ISLAMABAD: Health experts stressed the need for raising awareness of the importance of identifying risk factors, recognising symptoms, understanding treatment options, and supporting rehabilitation efforts for stroke management.

Addressing a seminar on World Stroke Day and World Occupational Therapy Day on Tuesday, Dr Mohammad Amjad, Consultant Neurologist and Chief of Neurology at Shifa International Hospitalsaid in Pakistan one in six people were likely to experience a stroke in their lifetime.

Thge seminar was organised by Shifa International Hospital.

Dr Mohammad Amjad, Consultant Neurologist and Chief of Neurology, discussed stroke management strategies and underscored the widespread impact of stroke.

World Stroke Day and World Occupational Therapy Day observed

He highlighted the seriousness of stroke, describing it as the second leading cause of death worldwide and the leading cause of disability.

“In our nation, stroke tends to occur an average of 10 years earlier than the global age of onset,” he said.

Further addressing the factors contributing to stroke risk, Dr Raja Farhat Shoaib, Consultant in Stroke Medicine and Neuro rehabilitation, explained the links between high blood cholesterol, a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and stress, underscoring that managing these risk factors is critical in reducing the incidence of stroke.

Dr Zeeshan Bin Ishtiaq, Chief Executive Officer of Hospital, emphasised that the hospital prioritised its patients by continually enhancing the level of stroke treatment facilities to ensure they meet international standards, reflecting Shifa’s commitment to improving patient outcomes.

Dr Sehrish Kazi offered guidance on stroke prevention, explaining that a combination of lifestyle choices—including a healthy diet, regular physical activity, quitting smoking, adequate sleep, weight management, and control of cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure—can significantly reduce the risk of stroke.

Senior Occupational Therapist Ms Saima Kanwal discussed how occupational therapy supports stroke patients by helping them regain independence and functionality.

She described a range of therapeutic approaches, from sensory re-education and task-oriented upper extremity training to functional training for daily activities, the use of assistive devices, cognitive rehabilitation, fall prevention strategies, and modifications to improve both home and workplace ergonomics.

Similarly the Center for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI) marked World Stroke Day 2024 by highlighting the urgent need to address the health risks posed by trans fatty acids in Pakistan.

“World Stroke Day serves as a crucial reminder that dietary choices can significantly impact our health,” stated Mukhtar Ahmed Ali, Executive Director at CPDI. “We urge individuals and policymakers in Pakistan to take a stand against trans fats to protect our communities from the devastating effects of strokes.”

Published in Dawn, October 30th, 2024