The Provincial Health Director Bildirici warned citizens about stroke.

Eskişehir Provincial Health Director Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yaşar Bildirici stated that the aim is to raise awareness about reducing stroke risk and improving its effects through early intervention and prevention strategies on World Stroke Day, October 29.

Bildirici pointed out that stroke occurs due to a blockage or bleeding in the brain’s blood vessels, which reduces or cuts off blood flow to a part of the brain. He expressed that stroke is one of the leading causes of disability and death worldwide. Bildirici noted that one in four people over the age of 25 faces the risk of having a stroke in their lifetime. He mentioned that approximately 12 million people are diagnosed with stroke for the first time each year globally, and 7 million people die from stroke. According to the 2022 Turkey Health Survey by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK), he reported that 1% of the population aged 15 and over in Turkey experienced a stroke in the last 12 months. Additionally, he referred to TÜİK’s 2023 statistics on deaths and causes of death, stating that 6% of deaths in Turkey are due to brain and vascular diseases. Bildirici said that because stroke is a significant health issue worldwide, October 29 is recognized as World Stroke Day each year, and the theme for 2024 has been determined as ‘Stroke Doesn’t Wait: Act Early!’. He emphasized that the purpose is to create awareness about reducing stroke risk and improving its effects through early intervention and prevention strategies.

Periodic screening and monitoring are important

Bildirici mentioned that the most important risk factors for stroke are unhealthy eating, insufficient physical activity, tobacco, and alcohol use, stating that issues caused by these factors, such as high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and obesity, increase the risk of stroke. He highlighted that research shows that 90% of strokes can be prevented with small lifestyle changes. He also expressed that family physicians play a crucial role in the early diagnosis, effective treatment, and monitoring of chronic diseases within the framework of the Disease Management Platform (HYP) developed by the Ministry of Health. He stated that family physicians evaluate hypertension and obesity in individuals aged 18 and over; and diabetes and cardiovascular diseases in individuals aged 40 and over, provide counseling on lifestyle changes, and refer individuals to Healthy Life Centers or hospitals when necessary. Finally, Bildirici invited everyone to regularly visit their registered family physicians for periodic screening and monitoring of chronic diseases.