Following Stroke Awareness Week (October 28 – November 1, 2024), it’s vital to continue spotlighting one of the world’s leading causes of death and disability. Sue Ramauthar, founder of SuedeWellness and the Life Resilience Institute, is a seasoned Johannesburg-based physiotherapist and wellness advocate with over 20 years of experience.
Ramauthar explains that a stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted, depriving brain cells of oxygen and nutrients. Without prompt treatment, these cells can die, leading to lasting damage, disability, or even death. Fortunately, many strokes can be prevented, and with the right interventions, physiotherapy plays a key role in supporting recovery. Here are some practical steps to help reduce stroke risk.
Key Steps to Prevent Stroke
Preventing strokes is critical. While factors like age and family history are unchangeable, lifestyle adjustments and medical management can modify many others. Here’s what you can do:
- Manage Blood Pressure: High blood pressure is the most significant modifiable risk factor for stroke. Regular monitoring, lifestyle changes, medication, and exercise can make a substantial difference.
- Control Diabetes: People with diabetes face a higher stroke risk due to potential blood vessel damage. Maintaining blood sugar levels and a balanced diet are key preventive steps.
- Quit Smoking: Smoking damages blood vessels, increasing stroke risk. Quitting is one of the most effective ways to lower the risk.
- Adopt a Healthy Diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help maintain a healthy weight, lower cholesterol, and reduce stroke risk. Limiting salt and processed foods is also essential.
- Exercise Regularly: Physical activity strengthens cardiovascular health, helps manage weight, and reduces the risk of conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes.
- Limit Alcohol Intake: Excessive alcohol raises blood pressure and can contribute to health issues linked to stroke. Moderation is key.
The Role of Physiotherapy in Stroke Recovery and Prevention
Physiotherapy is invaluable in both managing and preventing strokes. It supports individuals in regaining mobility, strength, and independence after a stroke and contributes to long-term prevention.
Post-Stroke Rehabilitation
After a stroke, survivors often experience physical challenges impacting movement, balance, and coordination. Physiotherapists are instrumental in helping individuals recover through:
- Improved Mobility and Balance: Physiotherapists help restore movement and balance, which reduces the risk of falls.
- Strength and Coordination: Customized exercises target muscle strength and coordination, aiding in daily activities like dressing and walking.
- Spasticity and Muscle Tone Management: Physiotherapy reduces muscle stiffness and involuntary contractions, enabling smoother movement.
- Enhancing Cardiovascular Health: Physiotherapists focus on cardiovascular fitness through safe, regular exercise, which can reduce the risk of another stroke.
Physiotherapy as a Preventative Tool
Physiotherapy also serves as a preventative measure. For individuals with high stroke risk factors, such as hypertension or diabetes, physiotherapists can design exercises that enhance cardiovascular health, manage weight, and improve mobility. Regular physical activity with professional guidance is one of the best ways to lower stroke risk.
This Stroke Awareness Week, let’s remember that while strokes can be serious, they’re often preventable through lifestyle adjustments and medical care. Physiotherapy is essential for both recovery and prevention, promoting strength, mobility, and cardiovascular health. By taking proactive steps, we can reduce the burden of strokes and improve quality of life.
If you or a loved one are at risk or recovering from a stroke, consider consulting a physiotherapist to explore how rehabilitation can support your journey.
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