38% of Those Aged 30 Risk Dying from NCDs Before 70

Thirty-eight per cent of Fijians aged 30 are at risk of dying before the age of 70 from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) if prevention efforts are not strengthened.

With these statistics, Fiji faces significant challenges related to stroke, which ranks as the third leading cause of death, following diabetes and ischemic heart disease, according to data from the World Health Organization.

During the World Stroke Day programme at the Suva Market yesterday, acting medical advisor Dr Luisa Cikamatana said that NCDs, particularly diabetes, are major contributors to stroke in Fiji, affecting one in three Fijians.

She commended Counterstroke Fiji (CF) for its support of stroke survivors in their rehabilitation.

CF has been working to establish a support system for survivors and their families through their weekly “Talkshop” programme, which offers stroke survivors an opportunity to connect and receive support.

CS Fiji president Elizabeth Fong said, “The fact that stroke does not discriminate by age, the increasing incidences is worrying for a country as small as Fiji.”

Ms Fong said the rising incidences of stroke over the last four decades; indicate that more action is needed to reduce the risk of stroke.

With the theme “Together we are better than stroke” CS was set up in 1988 as a response to the increase in numbers of people with stroke.

CS now has a current membership of about 20 people.

Ms Fong said their programme mainly focusses on education and awareness, prevention of stroke and also giving advice to those who have had a stroke.

She said World Stroke Day was not only a platform to raise awareness about the prevention of stroke but also a call to action in providing vital support and care for those who have experienced a stroke.

“If you see the way people live and work now, it’s a very sedentary lifestyle,” Ms Fong said.

“Life style needs to change in order combat the rising causes of stroke.”

She said in Fiji, about three people are admitted to the acute stroke unit each day.

“The annual observance of World Stroke Day serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need to address this issue,” she said.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF STROKE INCLUDE:

•  Trouble speaking and understanding what others are saying. You may experience confusion, slur words or have difficulty understanding speech
• Paralysis or numbness of the face, arm or leg. You may develop sudden numbness, weakness or paralysis in the face, arm or leg. This often affects just one side of the body
• Problems seeing in one or both eyes. You may suddenly have blurred or blackened vision in one or both eyes, and you may see double.
• Headache. A sudden, severe headache, which may be accompanied by vomiting, dizziness or altered consciousness - this may indicate that you’re having a stroke.

Feedback: sosiveta.korobiau@fijisun.com.fj