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Khaleej Times
30-05-2025
- General
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Kids as young as 3 should learn how to spot a stroke, says doctor
Children as young as three and four should be taught how to recognise the symptoms of a stroke, according to a top doctor in the UAE. This could increase awareness about the disease and ensure that victims get treatment during the 'golden hour' that dramatically increases the chances of survival. 'It should be part of their curriculum in the school,' Dr Suhail Abdulla AlRukn, President of the MENA Stroke Organisation, told Khaleej Times. 'In kindergarten and primary school, they should teach signs and symptoms of a stroke because children could see their family members having one and can become heroes who help them get the right treatment. It can be part of their education to have one or two classes per year about the symptoms of a stroke. That message will then go directly and indirectly into the community and to every house.' Dr Suhail was speaking on the sidelines of an event to raise awareness about strokes — in partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim (BI). He said that it was important for people to remember the acronym BEFAST to recognise a stroke. 'Once these signs are spotted, an ambulance should be called by dialing 998,' he said. 'It is important that the person is taken to a stroke specialist centre in the UAE, so as not to waste time. Emergency responders will know which nearest hospital to transport the patient to.' Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. Timely intervention The golden hour for a stroke is considered to be the first hour because if treatment is administered within that time, there is a higher chance of survival. However, Dr Suhail said that many people do not understand the urgency of it. 'Last week, I had a 59-year-old Indian stroke patient,' he said. 'Her sister came with her and when I outlined the plan, she said she had to call her brother-in-law and her sister's children to discuss the treatment and then take a decision. This doesn't work for a stroke patient.' He also highlighted that it was important to reduce the intake of salt to reduce the incidence of a stroke. 'Seventy per cent of stroke victims have high blood pressure,' he said. 'Salt is one of the reasons for high blood pressure. People should have only 1.2 grams per day, which is equal to one portion of a pizza.' He added that it was important for health authorities to highlight the amount of salt on labels of food items. Life saving treatment For Ahmed Nawazy, timely treatment is what made the difference between life and death. In 2017, the then 27-year-old had just moved to Dubai from his hometown in Egypt to join a company in a senior position. Within months of arriving, he suffered a stroke while bathing his seven and five-year-old daughters. 'My wife had seen her grandmother suffer a stroke, so she immediately knew what was happening,' he said. 'She called the ambulance and I was rushed to a stroke specialist hospital where I got life-saving treatment.' He said he got immense support from his company, who gave him extended sick leave and then lighter loads as he made a full recovery from the incident. Today, Ahmed is doing better than ever and has had a son since. 'It was the timely medical attention that helped me rebuild my life,' he said. According to Ousama Al Haj of BI, the company understood the importance of raising awareness. 'This year we're giving special focus to raising awareness because we brought a new medication to the UAE,' he said. 'We are empowering people to act, recover, and take action. In the case of a stroke, the earlier the intervention, the better it is.'
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Sevaro Launches Nationwide Stroke Awareness Campaign With Racecars, Storybooks, and Student Heroes
CHARLOTTE, N.C., May 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A stroke happens every 40 seconds in the U.S.—and every minute without treatment can cost a person 1.9 million brain cells. This May, during Stroke Awareness Month Sevaro Health is shifting the narrative—and the speed—with a bold nationwide campaign designed to educate, empower, and save lives. Sevaro, a physician-led, AI-powered virtual neurology company is setting out to educate one million children on how to recognize stroke symptoms using the B.E.F.A.S.T. method: Balance, Eyes, Face, Arms, Speech, Time to call 911. At the heart of the initiative is the CHLD Program (Children's Health Literacy Department) and its children's book BEFAST, Be a Superhero—authored by a 5-year-old boy. With over 10,000 copies distributed across 25 states, the book is helping kids become first responders in their own homes. Proceeds will fund $50,000 in scholarships to students advancing stroke awareness. 'We're not just teaching kids—we're giving them the power to save lives,' said Dr. Rajiv Narula, CEO of Sevaro Health. 'This generation can change the future of stroke care.' Want to Be a Stroke Hero in Your Community?High school and college students can now apply to become CHLD Youth Ambassadors—a leadership opportunity where you'll educate kids, earn community service hours, and qualify for scholarships and national recognition. Applications are open through June 16, 2025 Apply now: In a high-octane twist, Sevaro has partnered with rising star racecar driver Donovan Strauss, who will feature the B.E.F.A.S.T. message on his No. 4 Chevrolet in key races this May: May 3 – Ace Speedway (NC) May 16 – North Wilkesboro Speedway (NC) May 31 – Langley Speedway (VA) 'If through educating kids even one life is saved, we've done our job,' said Chauncey Evers, Director of Sevaro's CHLD program. Sevaro's mission to educate one million children about stroke is made possible through the incredible support of partners across the country. These organizations—ranging from top academic institutions to grassroots nonprofits—are helping bring stroke education into classrooms, clinics, and communities nationwide. Sevaro proudly recognizes the following partners for their dedication: Yale School of Medicine's Stroke Busters (Connecticut) I Would Rather Be Reading (IWRBR- National nonprofit providing equitable children's literacy support with local chapters) Kentucky Stroke Association ECU Healthcare (North Carolina) Piedmont Health (Georgia) Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport (Louisiana) St. Joseph's Healthcare (New Jersey) Toys for Tots (National nonprofit with local chapters nationwide) These partners are hosting community events, distributing the BEFAST, Be a Superhero book, and promoting the B.E.F.A.S.T. message across their networks. Their commitment to early recognition and education is helping save lives—one child, one classroom, one community at a time. Want to bring stroke awareness to your campus or community?Here's how you can take action: Become a CHLD Youth AmbassadorHigh school and college students across the country are joining the mission to educate 1 million kids about stroke. Apply by June 16: Host a Stroke Education Event in Your CommunityOpen to people of all ages, we'll give you the tools to educate children in your school, organization, or neighborhood — including a copy of our children's book, BEFAST: Be a Superhero. Get started by emailing Chauncey@ Share Stroke Awareness on Social MediaYour voice matters. Share stroke facts, the BEFAST method, and prevention tips to help protect your family, friends, and followers. Every share makes a difference. About Sevaro Sevaro Health is transforming stroke care with AI-powered, real-time virtual neurology solutions. Trusted by top hospitals nationwide, Sevaro combines technology, clinical excellence, and heart to save lives when every second counts. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at CONTACT: Media Contact: Branden Robinson branden@ in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
May marks Stroke Awareness Month; what are the signs to look for?
(WKBN) — May is Stroke Awareness Month — a good time to learn the signs of a stroke. Doctors advise using the acronym BE FAST to remember the signs: balance, eyes, face, arm, speech and time. If someone shows signs such as losing balance, vision changes, drooping face, weak arm or trouble speaking, call 911 right away. Every minute counts when someone is having a stroke. We can also take steps now to prevent strokes in the future. Dr. Marc Alain Babi with the Cleveland Clinic says someone has a stroke every 40 seconds in the U.S., and anyone can have one. 'Stroke is not just a disease that affects the elderly. Stroke can affect the entire spectrum of ages. Of course, the risk of stroke does increase as we get older in age, but stroke can affect all the way from neonates, from birth, younger adults — which we're seeing, unfortunately — an increase in both incidence and serious complications of stroke in young adults,' Babi said. Babi said genetics also play a role, which is why it's important to review any family history of stroke with a doctor. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
