{"id":42943,"date":"2024-10-31T09:30:27","date_gmt":"2024-10-31T07:30:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/eikestadnuus\/dont-delay-with-a-stroke-20241030\/"},"modified":"2025-03-20T07:38:07","modified_gmt":"2025-03-20T05:38:07","slug":"dont-delay-with-a-stroke-20241030","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/eikestadnuus\/dont-delay-with-a-stroke-20241030\/","title":{"rendered":"Don\u2019t delay with a stroke!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\u201cAge is just a number. Your health is what matters.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is the wisdom the 27-year-old Collin Brunsdon of the Stellenbosch area shared as World Stroke Day was commemorated on Tuesday (29 October). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first time he learnt about a stroke was when he experienced it in June. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMy fianc\u00e9 and I were talking. She said I started mumbling. When I got up I felt something was not right and I fell,\u201d Brunsdon recalled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI knew nothing about strokes. This was a very steep learning curve! Things changed so quickly. I went from being very independent to having to ask everyone to help me do things. It has been very hard.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stroke is a leading cause of disability and death worldwide and, according to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of South Africa, 10 people are affected by a stroke each hour. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It occurs when the flow of blood to the brain is blocked or reduced. There could also be bleeding in the brain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The provincial Department of Health and Wellness urged residents to get medical help quickly when they recognise the warning signs, and to work with health-care workers on the journey to recovery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Warning Signs<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember this acronym to help you recognise the sudden signs of a stroke: Be Fast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

B: suddenly having difficulty to b<\/strong>alance;<\/p>\n\n\n\n

E: if your e<\/strong>yes struggle to focus or you have double vision;<\/p>\n\n\n\n

F: f<\/strong>ace drooping on one side;<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A: a<\/strong>rm weakness (weakness usually in the arm and leg on one side of your body);<\/p>\n\n\n\n

S: difficulty s<\/strong>peaking; and<\/p>\n\n\n\n

T: t<\/strong>imeous action \u2013 go to a hospital immediately or call the ambulance service on 10177.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The sooner you get to a hospital, the better your chances of recovery. When a stroke patient has been stabilised the journey to regain function and independence begins. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBecause a stroke happens in your brain you can experience the impact of the stroke in multiple parts of your body,\u201d said Demi Alexander, an occupational therapist at Stellenbosch Hospital\u2019s rehabilitation centre. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis means you will need intervention by a range of experts.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to expect during recovery<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Each person\u2019s situation and needs are unique.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You could be discharged from hospital, and be: .<\/span> transferred for inpatient support at a facility like a hospice;.<\/span> receive home visits for support; or.<\/span> receive out-patient support by appointment at a hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During recovery you may need the support of such experts as a speech therapist, who will evaluate your ability to swallow and communicate. A dietician can provide guidance on your nutritional needs and educate family members about healthy eating. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A physiotherapist will give practical guidance on movements such as safely sitting up and determining what exercises the patient should do to improve their strength, balance and coordination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIf you want to make progress, do the exercises the team gives you, even if it seems too \u2018simple\u2019 to you,\u201d urged Brunsdon. \u201cThere is a reason for your having to do that exercise.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Proactive steps to reduce risk of stroke<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to your risk of having a stroke some factors are beyond your control. If you have a family history of stroke or if you had a stroke, you are at greater risk of having a stroke. Your risk of having a stroke is also greater if you are overweight, smoke or drink excessive amounts of alcohol.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are three tips to reduce your risk of having a stroke:<\/p>\n\n\n\n