Exercise regularly to avoid stroke - Group preaches

The Director, Stroke Action Group, Dr Biodun Ogungbo, on Wednesday advised Nigerians to cultivate the habit of regular physical exercise to avoid stroke.

Ogungbo, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja said “stroke occurs when a blood clot or a cholesterol plaque wanders into the brain until it reaches a narrow point where it becomes trapped.’’

He said that intake of balanced diet and reduction on salt consumption could prevent stroke.

The Director said that “stroke is a condition in which blood supply stops flowing to an area of the brain as a result of the blockage of a blood vessel.”

“The blockage could result to weakness and inability to function in the affected parts of the brain.

“The blockage of an artery in the brain by a clot is the most common cause of stroke; the part of the brain could stop pumping blood thereby become affected.

“As a result of the deprived blood and oxygen, the cells of that part of the brain dies and the part of the body that it controls stop working,’’ Ogungbo said.

He said that high blood pressure was among the leading causes of stroke as it can cause small arteries inside the brain to burst and increases pressure on the body.

Ogungbo, said stroke was easier to prevent than to treat.

“Cigarette smoking, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, lack of physical activities and high level of bad cholesterol are some of the causes of stroke.

“The symptoms of stroke starts with a temporary interruption in blood flow to part of the brain but last for a shorter period of time and do not leave noticeable permanent damage.

He said strokes could result in minor problems, such as weakness in an arm or leg and lead to paralysis or death.

Ogungbo, said many stroke patients are left with weakness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking and bladder problems.

According to him, management of patients with acute stroke remains multifaceted and includes several aspects of care that have been tested in clinical trials.

He called on government at all levels to ensure adequate health care delivery system to enable people have proper medical treatment.