Stroke remains one of the top causes of deaths in the country, and Fijians must start thinking about eating healthy and staying active.
This is the message from Counterstroke Fiji, which is also stepping up efforts to spread awareness among the Fijian population on the impacts of stroke – an initiative that will be heightened at the World Stroke Day event in Suva today.
Counterstroke Fiji president Elizabeth Reade Fong said the event would focus on the organisation’s the vision — A Fiji free from disability caused by stroke.
“World Stroke Day on October 29th provides an annual focal point for stroke awareness activity around the world,” Ms Fong said.
“This year, the campaign highlights the importance of stroke prevention and encourages every individual to take steps to be greater than stroke.”
Ms Fong said stroke caused about 81 deaths per 100,000 population in Fiji, behind diabetes mellitus and ischaemic heart disease.
“This is serious and with the Fiji Ministry of Health saying that one in three Fijians being diagnosed with diabetes, we are on a dangerous path.
“World Health Organization reported that 38 per cent of 30-year-old people will die before their 70th birthday from non-communicable diseases (NCD).
“If you have an NCD such as diabetes, the chance of having a stroke is increased. If you have ischemic heart disease, this is another dangerous path.”
She said as a nation where stroke was the third highest killer, Fijians must think carefully about what they ate, their daily exercise, rest and the need for loving and caring environments of family, home and community.
World Stroke Day will be marked at the Suva market today from 11am to 2pm.
Following the formalities, members of the public can access free wellness checks for blood pressure and blood sugar testing from 12pm to 2pm.
