World Stroke Day to be marked with education in the park
An educational event marking World Stroke Day is to take place on Friday at Queen Elizabeth Park.
Organised by Evolution Healing Centre, it will feature Jill Davidson, an occupational therapist, Evolution representatives and Bermuda Is Love.
Kim Watkins, a senior rehabilitation physiotherapist for Evolution, said: “World Stroke Day in the Park is more than an event, it’s a chance to educate our community about the warning signs of stroke.
“By spreading awareness, we empower people to act quickly and potentially save lives.
“Every person we reach today could be the difference between life and death for someone experiencing a stroke.”
Dr Watkins said that knowing the “BE FAST” signs — balance, eyes, face, arm, speech and time — could mean helping a loved one, friend or stranger when every second counts.
B — Balance: sudden loss of balance, trouble walking or dizziness
E — Eyes: sudden blurred vision, double vision or loss of sight in one or both eyes
F — Face: one side of the face droops or feels numb. Ask the person to smile to check if it is uneven
A — Arm: sudden weakness or numbness in one arm. Ask the person to raise both arms to see if one drifts downward
S — Speech: slurred speech, trouble speaking or difficulty understanding simple sentences
T — Time: time to call emergency services immediately if you notice any of these signs
Dr Watkins added: “As we talk to visitors, it becomes clear that almost everyone now knows someone affected by stroke.
“That’s why it’s so critical to share this information widely; stroke can touch any family, and time is the priority.
“The sooner someone gets to the hospital and is treated can make a difference to their life.
“Raising awareness in the park brings the message right to the heart of our community.
“Education is our strongest tool in the fight against stroke and together we can make sure more people know what to do in an emergency.
“Stroke doesn’t discriminate — its impact is felt everywhere. Events like this help ensure that recognising the signs and acting fast becomes common knowledge, giving more people a fighting chance.”
Dr Watkins said a survey for people affected by stroke will run until October 31 and can be filled out at surveymonkey.com/r/RJX3ZHZ. For more information, visit bpralliance.com.
She added: “This year marks a powerful first for our community. We've come together across the BHB, organisations, charities and local advocates to host a series of connected events for World Stroke Day.
“From the BHB hospital screening to the Bermuda Stroke Association educational evening and the park event through Evolution, we’re all moving in the same direction.
“This collaboration fills me with hope that as a community, we’re truly driving change for stroke survivors and caregivers together.”
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