The national project #MłodziPoUdarze, implemented by the Stroke Association - Support Counts, draws attention to the increase in the number of strokes among young people. The project is part of the Stop Stroke campaign.
Stroke is one of the most serious health, social and economic problems worldwide. In Poland, strokes rank third in terms of overall mortality and are the first cause of permanent disability among the population over the age of 40. They increasingly affect young people, indicating that they can occur in anyone - at any age, in any place, at any time, including in times of pandemic.
Current reports from expert groups pay special attention to qualified pre-hospital care, professional transport of the patient and accuracy in referring the patient to an Interventional Stroke Centre. The public's knowledge of stroke symptoms is still insufficient. The speed of recognition of the first symptoms and the time of medical intervention, with the inclusion of appropriate treatment, is a very important factor determining the degree of damage to the nervous system and, consequently, the level of disability of these people. The speed of application of modern treatment methods in ischaemic stroke influences their effectiveness. In addition, early implementation of physiotherapy after stroke, especially in young people, reduces the negative effects of disability and allows a return to professional and social life.
#MFromFromFromDar
With the specific message of the campaign, we want to draw attention to strokes occurring among young people in their 20s and 30s. The increase in incidence is very often linked to low awareness of stroke risk factors. Hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, stress, alcohol, smoking and contraceptives are just some of the factors that greatly increase the risk of stroke.
MANY FACTORS ARE WITHIN YOUR CONTROL
Awareness of the disease, both its symptoms and knowledge of risk factors, is important. Less than 90% of all risk factors are modifiable, i.e. ones over which we have real influence. Much depends on ourselves. A proper lifestyle that reduces the risk of stroke is largely based on proper diet, physical activity, abstinence from stimulants, and getting regular sleep. - explains Dr. Sebastian Szyper President of the Stroke Association - Support Counts. It is particularly important to acquire this awareness from an early age and to work towards so-called 'healthy ageing'.
RECOGNISING SYMPTOMS SAVES LIVES
Prompt care and treatment in a specialised facility increases a patient's chances of surviving a stroke and living a normal life afterwards by up to four times. In such facilities, the patient should receive comprehensive medical care provided by a team of neurologists, physiotherapists, nurses and speech therapists.
Everyone should be able to recognise the basic symptoms of a stroke, and know how to react if they observe such symptoms in themselves or their loved ones - says Mariusz Baumgart, MD, PhD, Professor at the Nicolaus Copernicus University.
The symptoms of a stroke can be remembered in a very simple way, using at least the acronym of the word stroke:
U - speech impaired
D - falling hand/hand
A - lip asymmetry
R - react immediately! Call 999 or 112.
YOUNG PEOPLE AFTER STROKE ARE AMONG US
We are very keen to draw attention to the incidence of stroke in young people. The increase in the number of cases is worrying. In an era of pandemonium, it is critical to seek both prompt medical attention and access to early rehabilitation after stroke - points out Dr Sebastian Szyper.
Prompt access to treatment and rehabilitation first and foremost saves lives, as well as allowing a return to professional and social life. This is particularly important among young people, who are often just starting out in their careers," emphasises Prof. Mariusz Baumgart.
The project has created a series of films featuring young people who have suffered a stroke and sharing their stories. The first film can be viewed on the channel YouTube strokers.
More information about #ModziPoUdar (video spots and other information material) can be found:
on the STOP STrokes social campaign website - www.stopudarom.pl
and FB campaign https://www.facebook.com/StopUdarom/.
Source: press mat.