Pulwama: On Thursday morning, a modest canopy was set up in front of the Prasad Joo Khan Memorial Heart Centre in Somnolent Hall hamlet, located in the Pulwama region of south Kashmir. Hundreds of locals, patients, and members of the economically disadvantaged Gujjar community congregated underneath it.
Famous cardiologist Dr. Upendra Koul raised awareness about stroke prevention by speaking into a microphone, and everyone listened.
To prevent heart attacks and strokes, Dr. Koul advised leading a healthy lifestyle and engaging in regular exercise.
In honour of World Stroke Day, which is marked on November 29, the Gauri Kaul Foundation arranged the event.
Such awareness campaigns are relatively rare in remote villages like Hall, which was previously home to scores of affluent Kashmiri Pandit families. As a consequence, many are unaware of the ways to avoid potentially fatal occurrences such as stroke.
In his speech, Dr. Koul said that although age was not a factor in stroke risk, older adults were more likely to acquire them.
He added that strokes may occur in people as young as 35.
India records over two lakh new stroke patients per year, according to Dr. Koul.
When a patient has a stroke, it is imperative that they be diagnosed right away, he said. “An early diagnosis can lessen it.”
Speaking to the audience, Dr. Koul explained how to recognise the signs of a stroke by using the acronym FAST (face drooping, arm weakness, speech problems, and time).
In an effort to educate the audience on stroke prevention and treatment, he clarified the many forms of stroke.
After having a stroke, a patient should be sent to a hospital with a CT scan machine, according to Dr. Koul.
“Thrombotic and hemorrhagic strokes could be distinguished by the scan,” he said.
Additionally, Dr. Koul summarised the stroke risk factors.
“High blood pressure is one of the major risk factors,” added the doctor.
In order to keep strokes under control, Dr. Koul stressed that prevention was essential.
Limiting salt consumption and maintaining a healthy lifestyle were among his top priorities.
In order to live a healthy life, Dr. Koul advised consuming more fruits and vegetables.
In order to avoid strokes and other ailments, he also highlighted how crucial weight management is.
With people sharing their own stories, the show becomes more engaging.
From a nearby neighbourhood, a middle-aged lady related how she was able to save her relative’s life by recognising the symptoms of a stroke early on.
She said, “I heard Dr. Koul talk about the symptoms of a stroke on the radio about 20 years ago.”
She added that the initiative had enabled her to save her relative’s life.
Dr. Koul was questioned extensively on the topic by several attendees.
“A lot of knowledge about treating and preventing strokes was gained,” a resident said.
Additionally speaking to the group was senior geriatric specialist Dr. Zubair Saleem.
