TAKING INTO account the seriousness of the situation the World Stroke Organization (WSO) has called for urgent action to tackle the situation of rising number of strokes, and has launched the “1 in 6” campaign on World Stroke Day, 29 October 2010. The aim of the campaign is to put the agenda of the fight against stroke on top of the world health agenda. The theme of “1 in 6” was formulated by leaders of WSO to focus on the fact that one in six people worldwide will have a stroke in their lifetime.

While anybody can suffer a stroke, it can also be prevented, and stroke survivors can recover fully to again enjoy the quality of life they were enjoying before they suffered a stroke. The quality of life of a patient can be improved with long-term care and support. WSO lists six easy ways to decrease the chances of a stroke by being proactive in the following ways:

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 recognize the warning signs of a stroke and how to take action.

It must be remembered that a stroke is the second leading cause of death for those more than 60 years, and is the fifth leading cause of death for people falling in the age group of 15 to 59. Even children and newborns can suffer a stroke. Every year six million people die from a stroke – killing more people than malaria, AIDS, and tuberculosis put together.