World Stroke Day Observed by SPS Apollo Hospitals through a Series of Public Awareness Initiatives

Ludhiana, October 29, 2013: SPS Apollo Institute of Neurosciences observed the World Stroke Day by conducting a series of public awareness initiatives across Ludhiana. Through these educative and interactive sessions, the neurologists of the hospital were able to create awareness regarding stroke.

According to Dr. RS Bhatia, Senior Consultant, Department of Neurology, SPS Apollo Hospitals, these forumslaid special emphasis on awareness, timely treatment and need for immediately rushing to the hospital as an important measure. The hospital also distributed free information booklets and education material to the patients.

According to Dr. Siddhartha Garg, Senior Consultant, Department of Neurology, SPS Apollo Hospitals, this initiative was taken in response to the low awareness levels about stroke, despite the fact that stroke is responsible for nearly 6 million deaths each year which is more than the number of deaths caused by AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis put together.  The first talk was conducted at Government High School, Dholewal, Ludhiana. Speaking to the students and teachers of the school, Dr. RS Bhatia emphasized on recognising the warning signs of stroke and immediately rushing to a medical center. Over 70 patients participated in an interactive patient education forum at SPS Apollo Hospitals with Dr. Siddhartha Garg.

Addressing the patients, Dr. Siddhartha Garg informed that, the important warning signs of stroke include sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body, sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding. Most patients fail to reach medical centers owing to low awareness regarding stroke. Dr. Siddhartha Garg said that, stroke is a medical emergency and as soon as one notices any of the warning signs efforts should be made to rush patients to the hospital immediately. He further added that timely intervention can prevent damage caused to the body.

The third session was conducted in village Nurpur Bet. According to Dr. RS Bhatia, there is very little awareness about stroke in rural areas so building awareness remains the key.

Dr. Bhatia said, stroke can be cured, if detected quickly and properly treated at an early stage. Mostly patients waste an important opportunity in beginning of disease visiting quacks, getting desi medications with a hope of cure. Instead of cure, they ultimately land up in a situation, where nothing much can be offered to them. Timely consultation with a specialist is the key to get rid of this disease, added Dr. Siddhartha Garg.

Such meetings would be held regularly and will bring together patients, stroke survivors, doctors, rehabilitation specialists and dieticians. The aim of these forums is to spread awareness about stroke and motivate stroke survivors to spread the message about stroke prevention. This forum would also enable patients to remain abreast with the latest therapies and reduce the risk of future strokes. www.cityairnews.com

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