Incorporating just a little exercise can help protect you from stroke

Incorporating just a little exercise can help protect you from stroke.

Stroke is the second leading cause of death among Thais. In 2022, there were 61,473 fatalities, and it can lead to disabilities and a reduced quality of life. The World Stroke Organization reports that a lack of physical activity is a major contributor to strokes, with 1 in 4 people at risk of experiencing a stroke at some point in their lives.

Taking care of your health is crucial in preventing stroke risk. Engaging in moderate exercise for 30 minutes a day, five days a week—or a total of 150 minutes per week—can reduce the risk of stroke by 25% by addressing related conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, depression, and stress.

For those who have experienced a stroke, exercise is crucial as it helps prevent recurrence and reduces the risk of dementia. It also aids in recovery, alleviates weakness, and enhances overall well-being. Even if physical movement may be limited due to the effects of a stroke, certain forms of exercise can still be performed. It is advisable to consult with a doctor, physical therapist, or occupational therapist to find suitable exercise methods.

Starting to exercise is very important. If you can’t manage to work out for a continuous 30 minutes, you can begin with short sessions of just 10 minutes or make lifestyle changes to increase physical activity, such as taking the stairs or parking further away to add more distance. These actions are known as "Small Wins" techniques, where you set small, manageable goals that you can start immediately. This approach boosts motivation and confidence as you see progress in your personal changes. Achieving these small goals can create a sense of success and encourage you to keep going.

In honor of World Stroke Day this year, we invite everyone to join the challenge of increasing physical activity and moving more. Start with small daily goals to change yourself, and you’ll see that these small steps can transform our world and help prevent this disease. This aligns perfectly with the phrase: TOGETHER WE CAN BE #GreaterThan STROKE!

Reference:

1. Global Health Estimates 2021: Deaths by Cause, Age, Sex, by Country and by Region, 2000-2021. Geneva, World Health Organization; 2024.
2. World Stroke Organization. Stroke and exercise [Internet]. 2024 [cited 2024 Sep 30]. Available from: https://www.world-stroke.org/world-stroke-day-campaign/prevent-stroke/stroke-and-exercise