Today is World Stroke Day. The World Stroke Organization (WSO) is calling for urgent and immediate action in the global fight against stroke by launching the "One in Six" campaign. The theme was identified to mirror today's reality that one in six people worldwide will have a stroke in their lifetime. Every six seconds, someone somewhere will die from a stroke. With the fight against stroke at a crossroads, WSO members in 92 countries around the world have united to put forth a simple life-saving message on World Stroke Day: Do not take chances. One in six people is at risk for stroke - it could be you. Learn the facts. Save a life today. Act Now! The campaign is asking people to commit to six stroke challenges:

- Know your personal risk factors: high blood pressure, diabetes, and high blood cholesterol.
- Be physically active and exercise regularly.
- Avoid obesity by keeping to a healthy diet.
- Limit alcohol consumption.
- Avoid cigarette smoke. If you smoke, seek help to stop now.
- Learn to recognize the warning signs of a stroke and how to take action.

The WSO intends to roll-out initiatives aimed at stemming the rise in stroke cases, especially in resource-challenged countries where two-thirds of all individuals that have suffered from a stroke now live and where health systems are already challenged to the limit.

"We must act now or it will be too late" says Professors Bo Norrving, WSO president, and Markku Kaste, WSD campaign chair. "Think of six people you care about... one of them will have a stroke" they added. "But this can be prevented. Complacency and inaction will only contribute to escalating the disease burden."

There are 15 million people who have a stroke each year. According to the World Health Organization, stroke is the second leading cause of death for people above the age of 60, and the fifth leading cause in people aged 15 to 59. Stroke also attacks children, including newborns. Each year, nearly six million people die from stroke. In fact, stroke is responsible for more deaths annually than those attributed to AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria put together. Stroke is also the leading cause of long-term disability irrespective of age, gender, ethnicity or country.

Three-time Tour de France champion and stroke survivor Alberto Contador notes "Stroke can attack anytime and at any age. The good news is that stroke can be beaten. Not only can it be prevented, but people who have experienced a stroke can regain their quality of life with the appropriate long-term care and support. I am an example."

At the World Stroke Congress held in Seoul earlier this month, the WSO issued a call to submit proposals for a universal solidarity symbol representing the fight against stroke. The advocacy contest will be judged by a distinguished panel comprised of individuals from the global stroke community. The winner will be announced in 2011. For more information, please visit here.

Source:
World Stroke Organization