World Stroke Day Oct. 29th 2015

World Stroke Day 2015

World Stroke Day is on Thursday the 29th October 2015. The World Stroke Organization’s theme for World Stroke Day 2015 is ‘I am Woman’. The World Stroke Campaign has chosen to focus on this theme because a woman is 

• more at risk of having a stroke.
• more likely to die from a stroke than a man.
• less likely to receive acute care and rehabilitation than a man, even though she responds equally well to treatment.
• more likely to experience a severe decline in cognitive function, and runs a higher risk of post-stroke depression and instutionalization.
• more likely than men to experience hypertension, atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat), diabetes, depression and obesity, all of which increase stroke risk.
• more likely to take on the caregiving role.

Some stroke risks are also specific to women. Pregnancy related diabetes, preeclampsia, the use of birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy and hormonal change all increase the risk of stroke for women.

We want more women to understand their stroke risk and take steps that will reduce the likelihood of preventable stroke. This World Stroke Day we are encouraging all women to make healthier lifestyle choices and calling on them to get a health check from a medical practitioner.

Stroke affects women, stroke affects everyone.

We are calling on communities and individuals to use World Stroke Day to show they care. Share information about stroke prevention and ask the women in your community and your life to have a health check to avoid preventable stroke and cardiovascular disease.

Be part of World Stroke Day 2015

• Download, print and share ‘I am Woman campaign materials.
• Take part in, or organize a World Stroke Day event. Find out more about local events by contacting your local World Stroke Organization member.
• Share your World Stroke Day plans with the world.
• Apply for a World Stroke Day Award to help us recognize, celebrate and share examples of how people around the world have used World Stroke Day to raise awareness of stroke issues.