World Stroke Day 2024: Be #GreaterThan>Stroke

In recognition of World Stroke Day, observed globally on October 29th, we would like to take this opportunity to raise awareness about the critical importance of stroke prevention, treatment, and recovery.

This year’s theme emphasises leveraging the emotional power of sport to inspire action in preventing strokes and supporting rehabilitation efforts for survivors.

What Is a Stroke?

A stroke occurs when blood supply to the brain is suddenly interrupted. Since blood carries the oxygen the brain needs to function, a lack of blood flow causes damage. Without immediate medical intervention, a stroke can be fatal or lead to long-term disability.

Warning Signs of a Stroke

Recognizing the warning signs is vital for quick intervention:

1. Sudden numbness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
2. Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding speech
3. Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
4. Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of balance and coordination
5. Sudden severe headache with no known cause

Important Facts About Stroke

• #1in4: 1 in 4 people globally will experience a stroke in their lifetime
•  #90% of strokes are associated with 10 modifiable risk factors

In the UK:

• 100,000 strokes happen annually
• A stroke occurs every 5 minutes
• 30,000 individuals die from stroke each year
• Over 1.2 million survivors live with the long-term effects of stroke
• Stroke is the 4th leading cause of death in the UK
• Two-thirds of stroke survivors leave the hospital with a disability

Top Tips for Reducing Stroke Risk

1. Control high blood pressure
2. Exercise at least 5 times a week
3. Eat a balanced, healthy diet
4. Reduce cholesterol intake
5. Maintain a healthy weight
6. Stop smoking and avoid smoky environments
7. Manage diabetes, stress, and depression

Conditions That Increase Your Risk of Stroke

1. Previous strokes or mini strokes (TIA)
2. High blood pressure
3. Diabetes
4. Heart disease

Stroke is a sudden, potentially life-threatening condition that can affect anyone, anywhere, at any time.

However, inequalities in access to essential stroke services—from emergency response and rehabilitation to long-term care—create gaps that must be addressed.

Stroke care remains inconsistent across regions and communities, exacerbating health disparities.

At the University of Essex, we are committed to closing this gap in stroke care.

We believe that every individual—regardless of where they live, their socio-economic status, or underlying health conditions—deserves equitable access to high-quality care.

On this occasion, I would like to bring to your attention our ongoing collaboration with the East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Trust (ESNEFT).

Through the CoastGEM (Coastal Gap Inequality for Stroke Care Management) project, we are focusing on identifying and addressing the barriers to stroke care in coastal regions.

Service professionals, field leaders, researchers, and the voices of those with lived experience will guide this work.

Our goal is to promote systemic improvements that will lead to equitable access and ensure that no one is left behind.

The CoastGEM project focuses on three key workstreams to address stroke care inequalities.

The Quantitative Workstream analyses disparities in care and outcomes across ESNEFT, using SSNAP and NHS Digital data.

The Qualitative Workstream explores personal and structural barriers to accessing stroke services, drawing insights from service users.

The Stroke System Assessment evaluates how health system components contribute to disparities, gathering provider perspectives on challenges and improvements.

Lastly, the project aims to develop interventions that promote equitable access to stroke care and improved outcomes across the region.

This World Stroke Day let’s take action to reduce stroke risks and support recovery efforts.

Whether by raising awareness, participating in physical activity, or supporting stroke survivors, we all have a role to play in creating a future where access to stroke care is equitable for everyone.

To learn more about global activities and events near you, explore the Global Activities Map to view country sign-up locations, physical activity events, and other participation opportunities.

Additionally, you can access detailed materials and resources through the World Stroke Day Resources page.

For further information on our CoastGEM (Coastal Gap Inequality for Stroke Care Management) project, please visit the project page here.