Home » stroke

Reduce your stroke risk with physical activity

Tuesday 22 October 2024: Bermuda Hospitals Board’s (BHB) Emergency Department sees an average of five people every week who are experiencing a stroke. That’s over 200 people every year.

“Our Primary Stroke Centre provides comprehensive stroke services, but we would like the public to take necessary actions to prevent stroke in the first instance and to seek medical care immediately if affected by stroke,” said Dr Srinath Meadipudi, BHB Primary Stroke Centre director.

“Knowing the risks and taking conscious action to reduce them will help you avoid becoming a stroke victim,” he continued.

October 29th is World Stroke Day, and in keeping with the international theme to boost physical activity, BHB encourages the public to be as physically active as they can.

Regular physical activity is a preventative measure for stroke. Statistics show that at least 30 minutes of physical activity five times a week reduces stroke risk by 20-25%. Physical activity after a stroke aids in recovery and the quality of life of stroke patients.

“At BHB we are encouraging all our staff to take the stairs where possible, instead of using elevators,” said Dr Meadipudi. “We invite the public to join our take the stairs effort or to create a movement goal that better suits their environment, from 28 October.”

BHB also reminds the public to BE FAST in recognising and responding to stroke symptoms.

B is for Balance – sudden loss of balance, headache or dizziness

E is for Eyes – sudden blurred vision

F is for Face – one side of the face is drooping

A is for Arms – sudden weakness in an arm or leg

S is for Speech – sudden difficulty speaking or making sense

T is for Time – Time to call 911 and get to the Emergency Department as soon as possible

 

More about the BHB Primary Stroke Centre

 

22 October 2024 Home Page, News

Start of stroke recovery in Bermuda

Tuesday 25 October 2022: Surviving a stroke is an achievement in itself, but how well a survivor recovers can vary enormously. What are the rehabilitation options for stroke survivors in Bermuda and how can they go about getting the best medical care and support available?

by Dr Elwood I L Fox, DO

According to the Centres for Disease Control, in 2020, stroke was the fifth leading cause of death in the US. Worldwide, World Health Organisation data from 2019 showed stroke as the second leading cause of death behind ischemic heart disease.

Based on my involvement as consultant physiatrist at BHB for over ten years, there is anecdotal evidence of five to 10 stroke patients per week treated through BHB. Not all are being admitted for acute care. Some receive outpatient services through the Rehab Day Hospital.

Furthermore, it is estimated that there are 250 to 300 strokes per year on island with about five percent never receiving medical or rehabilitation treatment during the acute phase. Data collection is required for recording of stroke deaths annually, and would probably reveal greater than 1,000 stroke survivors on island at present.

Some of the main impairments caused by stroke involve cognition, speech and communication, ability to swallow, movement, activities of daily living (ADLs), bowel and bladder dysfunction, and mood and behaviour.

To read the full RG Magazines article, click here.

4 November 2022 Media

Bermuda Hospitals Board Primary Stroke Centre screens all its patients for depression

Tuesday 6 July 2021: Bermuda Hospitals Board (BHB) will now routinely screen all its stroke patients for depression.

“Experiencing a stroke can dramatically affect a person’s life,” said BHB Primary Stroke Centre Medical Director Dr Francene Gayle. “Strokes can be debilitating, moving a normally functioning person to one with significant function impairment. This can happen suddenly.

“Such a drastic change in a person’s mental and physical condition is understandably often traumatic, not only for the person but also for their family. It’s the reason many stroke patients become depressed in the days, weeks and months following their diagnosis.”

“Depression after a stroke is common,” said BHB Chief of Psychiatry Dr Chantelle Simmons. “In addition to the direct emotional impact, post-stroke depression is also associated with poorer functional outcomes. The good news is that treatment is available and we will provide it.”

“Early identification and treatment of post-stroke depression is critical in optimising patient outcomes,” added Dr Gayle.

The Primary Stroke Centre has implemented a post-stroke depression policy that clearly details how patients will be assessed for depression, when they will be assessed and, based on the assessment, the treatment that will be used. Inpatient and outpatient treatments are available.

The new process involves various hospital departments and disciplines, including allied health professionals (occupational, physical and speech therapists), nurses, physicians, psychiatrists and clinical psychologists.

“Implementation of this policy is another example of how we at BHB continuously strive to give the highest quality and safest care to our patients,” said BHB Chief of Staff Dr Wesley Miller. “We have a vision to pursue excellence through improvement wherever we can. Recognising and attending to the mental health needs of our stroke patients is not only good for our individual stroke patients, but by extension for their families and friends. It’s beneficial to our Bermuda community.”

-ends-

6 July 2021 Home Page, News