Stroke: A growing threat to Nigerian lives and livelihoods
Adebola was the breadwinner for his family. At 45, he worked tirelessly as a logistics manager in Lagos, often navigating the city’s infamous traffic for hours daily. A heavy smoker and lover of fried delicacies, he had been warned about his high blood pressure during a workplace health checkup but brushed it off. “I feel fine,” he’d say, lighting another cigarette.......CONTINUE READING THE ARTICLE FROM THE SOURCE>>>>>
One Friday morning, Adebola collapsed at his office. His colleagues scrambled to help, but the damage was done by the time he was rushed to the hospital. Adebola had suffered a stroke, leaving him paralysed on his left side. His life and the lives of his family were forever changed.
What Exactly is a Stroke?
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted, depriving brain cells of oxygen and nutrients. This leads to cell death, which can cause lasting brain damage, disability, or death if not treated promptly.
There are two primary types of strokes:
• Ischemic Stroke: The most common type, caused by a blood clot blocking or narrowing blood vessels in the brain.
• Hemorrhagic Stroke: Caused by a ruptured blood vessel leading to bleeding in the brain.
In both cases, time is critical. Without immediate medical attention, the chances of survival and recovery diminish significantly.
Stroke has become a silent epidemic in Nigeria, fuelled by urbanisation, lifestyle changes, and the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. According to public health experts, nearly 200,000 Nigerians suffer strokes annually, with a significant proportion resulting in death or severe disability.
One key driver of this epidemic is high blood pressure. Studies show that nearly one in three Nigerian adults has hypertension, often undiagnosed or poorly managed. Combined with smoking, poor diets, and sedentary lifestyles, the risk multiplies.
The consequences are devastating for people like Adebola, who ignored early warning signs. What’s even more tragic is that many strokes are preventable with better awareness and proactive health management.
The Everyday Reality
In cities like Lagos, where stress levels run high, stroke disproportionately affects working-class individuals. Many Nigerians work long hours to make ends meet, often neglecting their health. Their fast-paced lifestyles leave little time for exercise, and their diets usually consist of heavily processed and fried foods.
For low-income families, access to healthcare is another hurdle. Even when symptoms are recogniaed, the cost of treatment can be prohibitive. Imaging scans like CT and MRI, essential for diagnosing stroke, remain out of reach for many Nigerians.
Early Signs and Why They Matter
Recogniaing a stroke early can save lives. The most common signs can be remembered with the acronym FAST:
• F – Face drooping: Look for an uneven smile.
• A – Arm weakness: Can one arm stay raised, or does it drift downward?
• S – Speech difficulty: Are words slurred or hard to understand?
• T – Time to call for help: Every second counts, seek medical attention immediately.
When stroke strikes, its impact ripples across families and communities. For Adebola’s wife, the months following his stroke were grueling. Medical bills piled up, and caregiving became her full-time job. Their children had to adjust to a life without the financial stability they once enjoyed.
Beyond the personal cost, strokes take a toll on Nigeria’s economy. Working-age adults incapacitated by strokes are often unable to return to their jobs, reducing workforce productivity and increasing the burden on the healthcare system.
Prevention is the Best Cure
The good news is that stroke prevention is achievable through simple lifestyle changes and better healthcare practices. Here’s how:
1. Manage Blood Pressure: Regular blood pressure checks are essential. Community health campaigns should make these screenings more accessible and affordable.
2. Healthy Diet: Traditional Nigerian meals can be healthier with small adjustments. Reduce salt, fried foods, and sugary drinks, and incorporate more vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins such as fish, eggs, beans, chicken etc.
3. Exercise: Physical activity doesn’t require a gym. Walking, cycling, or even dancing are excellent ways to stay active.
4. Quit Smoking and Limit Alcohol: These habits significantly increase stroke risk. Public health programmes should focus on education and support for quitting.
5. Seek Medical Help Early: Regular check-ups can catch conditions like hypertension and diabetes before they become life-threatening.
Nigeria’s healthcare system must play a role in addressing the stroke crisis. Policies that subsidise medications for hypertension and diabetes can make a significant difference. Public awareness campaigns in local languages can educate communities on stroke prevention and early intervention.
Churches, mosques, and community leaders also have a part to play. By integrating health education into their programs, they can influence positive change at the grassroots level.
A Path Forward
Stroke is no longer “The aged people’s illness” as it is often depicted. This is a wake-up call for Nigerians to prioritiae their health and for society to support better healthcare systems. This is not just an individual problem, it’s a public health challenge that requires collective action.
Through awareness, preventive measures, and improved access to care, we can reduce the burden of stroke in Nigeria. Let Adebola’s story be a lesson: your health is your most valuable asset. Don’t wait for a crisis to protect it.