Every year on October 29, World Stroke Day is celebrated to remember the global impact of strokes on individuals and communities. This awareness day is dedicated to educating the public about stroke prevention, recognizing the warning signs, and providing support to those who have survived strokes. In 2024, the theme for World Stroke Day is "Harnessing the Emotional Power of Sport to be #GreaterThanStroke"—a theme that emphasizes the role of sports and physical activity in stroke recovery, mental health, and rehabilitation.
What is Stroke?
A stroke results from a blockage or reduction of blood flow supplying the brain, therefore cutting its supply of oxygen and other products of the blood. In a few minutes after the attack begins, neurons start to die, and the longer it takes to get the patient to the hospital, the more profound the impairment. Strokes can be classified into two main types:
Ischemic Stroke: This is the most common type of stroke, brought on by a blood clot which settles and blocks or narrows arteries leading to the brain.
Hemorrhagic Stroke: This is a condition which results when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures and hemorrhages in or around the brain occur.
The effects of a stroke depend on its severity and the area of the brain affected. The commonly seen symptoms in individuals with stroke are numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side; sudden confusion or trouble speaking or understanding speech; sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes; and loss of balance and coordination. It is important to note that the earlier the symptoms are recognized and treated, the better the chances of recovery.
Why it is important to detect early and be aware of the disease?
Even now, with modern medical technologies, strokes continue to be a major source of death and disability. According to reports by the World Health Organization, estimates suggest that 15 million people have a stroke annually, out of whom 5 million die while another 5 million are left with some form of disability. Reports from India suggest that many people who experience a stroke do not access hospital services for multiple reasons including limited awareness of stroke symptoms or stroke being an emergency, large distances to travel between home and hospital, a lack of ambulance staff and transportation, the availability of alternative [non-hospital] therapies that people may consider effective after stroke, and limited finances to cover the cost of care.
The significance of early treatment in stroke care cannot be overstated. This makes procedural interventions, which include clot-dissolving medications(Thrombolysis) and percutaneous procedure for clot removal(Endovascular-mechanical thrombectomy), particularly effective if given within the first few hours after the first instance of symptoms. This is why simple awareness programs on the signs of a stroke, or what is commonly known as ‘BEFAST’ — Balance issues, Eye – visual blurring, Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties, and Time to call emergency services—are so essential.
The Role of Sports in Stroke Recovery
World Stroke Day 2024’s theme, ‘Harnessing the Emotional Power of Sport to be #GreaterThan Stroke’ draws attention to another way in which this debilitating condition, stroke, can be dealt with. Exercise is an important aspect as it has been known to help prevent stroke. Most of the benefits of doing physical exercises also help to control risk factors of stroke, i.e., hypertension, diabetes, obesity and hypercholesterolemia.
However, the role of sport and exercise doesn’t end with prevention. For stroke survivors, physical activity is often an integral part of rehabilitation. Due to stroke, physical disability occurs – for instance, weakness or paralysis of one half of the body or problems with coordination, balance, and speaking. Doing sport may aid stroke patients in restoring their muscles and movement functions, and growing self-esteem.
Sports help defeat more than just muscles. There is no surprise that engaging in sports helps to overcome emotional problems and stress after stroke. Sport re-functionalization is when a person engages in physical activities that contribute to seeing one’s body, the pleasant feeling of success, and enhanced ability to withstand stress. A complaint that violates many stroke survivors’ functions, sport offers a sense of belonging which is an essential factor in overcoming the isolation and sadness of those that undergo stroke recovery.
How Sport Helps Emotional and Mental Healing?
This year’s theme is actually anchored on five key messages, and one of those is the emotional power of sport. Every year, millions of people become stroke survivors, and physical and psychological rehabilitation may take quite a long time. Frustration, sadness, and anxiety are not uncommon, especially when more limitations are put in place. The emotional pressure can be equal to any form of bodily strain that one can endure on a regular basis.
There is, therefore, a chance to have great feelings and heal emotionally as well as have improved mental health once one engages in sporting activities. There is nothing as straightforward as sports where one can easily outline goals and, more importantly, work towards their achievement. These may involve anything from just completing a simple exercise routine to being part of a sports event organized by your community. It can go a long way in giving a stroke survivor a new focus.
However, the social aspects of sports have been found to be important too. It is more effective to be involved in a team or group and share experiences and receive support from others as it triggers the sense of belonging. Research has proven that social support is an essential factor in improving the mental health among survivors of stroke. This helps explain why sports, with their inherent emphasis on team play and camaraderie, provide a natural environment for building such support systems.
Here are Some of the Great Comebacks of Athletes Who Overcame Strokes
The following are the reasons why analyzing success stories of athletes who have suffered a stroke is one of the best approaches to understanding the role of sports in the rehabilitation of stroke patients. For instance, Olympic gold medalist Mark McMorris, a Canada-based snowboarder, was once a victim of a stroke in 2016. Daunting as the physical and mental challenges may have been, McMorris got back on the board and proceeded to win several medals after that. His story inspires many people who suffer strokes.
There are plenty of more examples of such individuals who have harnessed the power of sport to overcome the challenges of stroke. These are inspirational stories from people who are not very different from others, and they aim at encouraging stroke patients who may feel that they cannot rise from the dead dust after the stroke.
How Can We Be #GreaterThanStroke?
This year’s theme is not only about athletes but every one of the conquerors and their close ones. The hashtag #GreaterThanStroke encourages people and communities to come together in the fight against stroke. Here’s how we all can contribute to this cause:
Promote Physical Activity: Encourage regular exercise and healthy living to reduce the risk of stroke. Even small lifestyle changes, like walking or swimming, can make a big difference.
Support Stroke Survivors: Whether through participation in community sports programs, volunteering, or simply offering emotional support, we can help stroke survivors feel connected and empowered.
Raise Awareness: Use social media and community platforms to spread the word about stroke prevention, the warning signs, and the importance of early intervention.
Celebrate Recovery: Share stories of resilience, triumph, and recovery, emphasizing that stroke survivors can live fulfilling, active lives.
Conclusion
World Stroke Day is a powerful reminder of the impact that strokes have on individuals and families around the world. This year’s theme, “Harnessing the Emotional Power of Sport to be #GreaterThan Stroke,” challenges us to view sports not just as a tool for physical recovery, but as a source of emotional strength, resilience, and community. Together, by supporting stroke prevention, promoting active lifestyles, and embracing the emotional and social benefits of sport, we can all strive to be #GreaterThan Stroke.
