Every year on October 29, World Stroke Day is observed to raise awareness about stroke, a serious and often life-threatening medical condition. Stroke can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or lifestyle, yet many people are unaware of its symptoms, risk factors, and how to prevent it. As students at JAIN College, this day serves as an opportunity to educate ourselves and others about stroke, understand its impact, and promote a proactive approach to health and well-being.

Understanding Stroke: What It Is and Why It Matters

A stroke occurs when the blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted, either due to a blockage (ischemic stroke) or a burst blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke). Without adequate blood supply, brain cells start to die within minutes, leading to potentially severe physical and cognitive disabilities. Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability globally, making it crucial to recognise its early warning signs and know how to respond.

There are two main types of stroke:

1. Ischemic Stroke: This is the most common type, accounting for around 85% of cases, and occurs when a blood clot blocks or narrows an artery leading to the brain.
2. Hemorrhagic Stroke: This type happens when a blood vessel bursts, causing bleeding in or around the brain. High blood pressure and aneurysms are common risk factors.

The Impact of Stroke on Young People

While stroke is more common among older adults, it can also strike younger individuals, including teenagers and young adults. Lifestyle choices such as smoking, poor diet, and physical inactivity, along with conditions like hypertension and diabetes, increase the risk of stroke even among younger populations. Given the increasing incidence of stroke in younger age groups, understanding and addressing the risk factors is essential for students.

Recognising the Symptoms

Knowing the symptoms of a stroke can be life-saving. The acronym FAST is an easy way to remember the warning signs and act quickly:

F – Face: Check if one side of the face droops or feels numb.

A – Arms: See if one arm feels weak or numb. Ask the person to raise both arms and observe if one arm drifts downwards.

S – Speech: Listen for slurred or strange speech. Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence.

T – Time: Call emergency services immediately if any of these signs are present. Time is critical in preventing severe damage or death.

Beyond these symptoms, stroke can cause sudden confusion, vision problems in one or both eyes, difficulty walking, dizziness, or loss of balance. Acting quickly when someone exhibits these symptoms can make a difference in their recovery and long-term quality of life.

Risk Factors to Be Aware Of

Risk factors for stroke can be classified into modifiable and non-modifiable.

Non-modifiable risk factors: These include age, gender, and family history of stroke. While we can't change these factors, being aware of them can motivate us to manage the factors we can control.

Modifiable risk factors: These are the lifestyle and health factors we can actively work on, such as high blood pressure, smoking, unhealthy diet, excessive alcohol intake, obesity, and physical inactivity. Students can adopt healthy lifestyle habits to reduce these risks significantly.

Prevention: What JAIN College Students Can Do

At JAIN College, students can access resources and facilities that encourage a healthy lifestyle. Here are some practical steps that every student can take:

• Stay Active: Regular exercise helps lower blood pressure, improve circulation, and maintain a healthy weight. The college’s sports facilities and fitness clubs offer opportunities to stay active.
• Eat a Balanced Diet: Avoid excessive salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats. Choose fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins to keep your body nourished and reduce your risk of stroke.
• Manage Stress: College life can be stressful, but managing stress is essential for overall health. Practice mindfulness meditation or engage in hobbies to relax and improve mental well-being.
• Avoid Smoking and Limit Alcohol: Smoking doubles the risk of ischemic stroke, while excessive alcohol intake can raise blood pressure. Reducing or eliminating these habits can have a positive impact on your health.
• Check Your Blood Pressure and Sugar Levels: High blood pressure is the leading cause of stroke, and diabetes also increases stroke risk. While routine check-ups might not be common among young people, awareness is key. Use college health services if available, or consider occasional screenings to stay informed about your health.

The Role of Education and Early Intervention

Education is the first step in stroke prevention. As college students, we have the power to educate ourselves and help raise awareness in our communities. Understanding the basics of stroke, recognising its warning signs, and adopting a proactive approach to health can help us reduce the risk of stroke for ourselves and those around us. Additionally, early intervention is critical; the sooner a person experiencing a stroke receives medical attention, the better their chances of recovery.