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Dr Kimberley Watkins On World Stroke Day [Written by Dr Kimberley Watkins] As we approach World Stroke Day on October 29th, it’s crucial to highlight the importance of stroke prevention and rehabilitation for Bermuda’s communities. Globally, stroke remains the second leading cause of death and the third leading cause of long-term disability. In Bermuda, the increasing incidence of stroke, with approximately five cases reported each week, underscores the urgent need for action. It is imperative that we raise awareness of the signs of stroke, the people impacted in the community, the challenges that arise on this journey, and the resources we have available in our local context. This year, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the World Stroke Congress in Barcelona. It was truly inspiring to witness the strides being made globally—from enhancing acute care services and establishing dedicated stroke centres in various countries to launching rehabilitation programs, support groups, and public awareness campaigns that highlight not only the signs of stroke but also the associated risk factors. Hearing the stories of stroke survivors and their families was a powerful reminder of the ongoing challenges they face long after their initial incident. Stroke isn’t just a moment in time; it reshapes lives and affects everyone around them. We must unite as a community to enhance rehabilitation services and support one another through this journey. This year’s campaign by the World Stroke Organisation, Every Minute Counts, highlights the urgency of timely intervention. Recognising the signs of stroke using “BE FAST”: Balance- Loss of balance, headaches, or dizziness Eye/vision- changes to vision/blurred vision Face- one side of the face is drooping [you can ask the person to smile] Arm- weakness in the arm or leg [ask the person to raise their arms and see if one drops down or sudden weakness] Speech- speech difficulties [slurred speech or difficulties understanding- ask the person to repeat the sentence “the sky is blue”] Time- time to call an ambulance immediately it is a medical emergency This awareness can mean the difference between life and death, or can significantly reduce the degree of disability a survivor may face. Rapidly calling for medical help is critical, and getting affected individuals the assistance they need can change lives. In Bermuda this year, we are excited to partner with remarkable organisations and health care professionals to raise awareness of our community’s health and the impact of stroke. There will be a variety of events held, including free health screenings and hosting an event highlighting those impacted by strokes—honouring their milestones and sharing their courageous stories. These initiatives seek not only to raise awareness about stroke recognition but also to illuminate the rehabilitation journey, showcasing how community involvement can make a difference. As World Stroke Day approaches, it serves as a vital reminder of why these events matter. They empower our community with knowledge, foster connections, and emphasise the importance of support. Together, we can create a stronger, more informed network that prioritises stroke prevention, enhances rehabilitation services, and inspires hope. Join us on October 29th to engage in this critical cause. Your participation can help us make a profound impact, saving lives and facilitating recovery for those affected by strokes. Let’s work together to create a future where fewer individuals experience the effects of stroke, and when they do, they receive the right support and care they deserve. Here is a reminder of the events being held to commemorate World Stroke Day: On October 29th, Bermuda will host a range of events, including free public health screening for blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and stroke risk at the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital in collaboration with Bermuda Hospitals Board, Evolution Healing Centre, and the Bermuda Diabetes Association. Screenings will take place in the hospital’s lobby from 10 AM to 2 PM, following an address by Kim Wilson, the Minister of Health, at 9:30 AM. Later that evening, a free public talk entitled A Stroke of Genius will be held at The Waterfront on Pitts Bay Road in Hamilton from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM. This event will feature a panel of experts discussing stroke and rehabilitation, and survivors will share their stories. Attendees can register online. Here is the registration link. Additionally, on October 31, Evolution Healing Centre and the Bermuda Hospitals Board will team up with Bermuda is Love, Function Junction, and Island Nutrition to provide advice on the signs of stroke, prevention, and rehabilitation. This stroke awareness event will be held at Queen Elizabeth Park in Hamilton. The stroke awareness event at Queen Elizabeth Park will emphasise this important message, reminding us that timely intervention can significantly improve outcomes for stroke patients. In recognizing World Stroke Day, it’s crucial to continue to emphasize the stroke survey being conducted in Bermuda. This survey is essential for assessing stroke prevalence, demographic information,v the effectiveness of rehabilitation services, while identifying challenges faced by stroke survivors. By collecting data from various groups, we can tailor educational campaigns and implement targeted interventions to meet our community’s needs. Participation in this survey not only deepens our understanding of stroke in Bermuda but also contributes to global insights. Together, we can use this information to promote a healthier future, ensuring access to necessary care and resources for stroke prevention, recovery, and rehabilitation. Here is the survey link. Category: All
