Guwahati, October 29, 2024: In a major initiative to raise awareness about stroke prevention, treatment, and recovery, GNRC Hospitals in Guwahati issued a media statement on the occasion of World Stroke Day 2024.
GNRC Hospitals issued an appeal to the citizens to prioritize their health and actively spread awareness about stroke prevention. In a statement released to the media, GNRC emphasized the critical importance of recognizing stroke symptoms early and seeking immediate treatment. As a leading cause of mortality globally, stroke requires timely intervention, and GNRC is committed to fostering a 'Healthy Assam' through various community engagement programs. The hospital highlighted the F.A.S.T. acronym—Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, and Time to call an ambulance—as a simple yet effective way to identify early signs of stroke and reduce the suffering of our community.
The World Health Organization reports that 15 million people worldwide suffer a stroke each year, resulting in 5 million deaths and leaving another 5 million permanently disabled. India is witnessing a rising incidence of stroke due to an ageing population and an increasingly sedentary lifestyle. Stroke has now become one of the leading causes of death and disability in our country, underscoring the urgent need for greater awareness and preventive action.
Addressing the media, eminent Neurologist of India, social entrepreneur and founder of Affordable Health Mission and GNRC Group of Hospitals Dr Nomal Chandra Borah writes: "On World Stroke Day, let us come together in the fight against stroke—a condition that could affect any one of our loved ones. Currently, 2 billion people globally face the risk of having a stroke in their lifetime, with 20% of these cases resulting in death and 60% leading to permanent disability. Stroke is a devastating condition, yet it is preventable and manageable. Public awareness, education, and timely medical intervention are essential to reduce its impact on individuals and families.
We must raise awareness about stroke symptoms, prevention strategies, and treatment options to save as many lives as possible from this serious health threat. Stroke can strike anyone, anywhere, at any time. However, we can significantly lower the risks by adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, avoiding smoking and drinking, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight.
Additionally, vigilance against five key lifestyle-related diseases is crucial for stroke prevention: hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, atrial fibrillation, and mental health issues such as stress and depression. By addressing these risk factors, we can protect more individuals from the debilitating effects of stroke and foster a healthier future for our community."
Alongside prevention, timely and precise treatment is crucial to saving lives affected by stroke. For patients, reaching a 'stroke-ready' hospital is vital to receive the most effective treatment. These specialized hospitals are fully equipped with advanced infrastructure and trained medical teams to manage stroke interventions at any hour. In India, only a select few hospitals meet these critical standards, with GNRC being one of the leading stroke-ready hospital in Northeast India, dedicated to providing comprehensive, round-the-clock stroke care.
As part of the Stroke Awareness campaign, GNRC Hospitals has organized a series of health check-up camps in collaboration with prominent institutions and organizations across the region. A total of 4 such camps were organized where 1,320 people availed the services. All the four camps were held in a single month. These camps are designed to provide comprehensive health assessments, offering the general public valuable insights into the importance of early diagnosis and prevention of stroke diseases. Moreover, GNRC launched a special social media campaign with important messages on stroke symptoms, myths and facts and treatment options of this medical condition. Additionally, senior consultants from GNRC took part in awareness talk shows held across various TV channels.
Dr. Borah emphasized the pivotal role of the media in disseminating vital information about preventive healthcare and the importance of early intervention to the wider public. 'With your support, we can further the cause of society and nation-building,' he stated. 'I urge the media to join us in achieving our mission of “Health for All, Smiles for All.”
For more information, visit www.gnrchospitals.com
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Mrinal Ali Hazarika
Senior Manager- Marketing and Brand Promotion
GNRC Group of Hospitals
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