 
                World Stroke Day 2025: Every Minute Counts
               
                    29 October, 2025
                     Every year, October 29 is observed as World Stroke Day to raise awareness of stroke — one of the top causes of death and disability — on a worldwide level. This year, the campaign theme “Every Minute Counts” reminds us that immediate action can save lives and reduce the devastating impact of stroke.
B. P. Poddar Hospital & Medical Research Limited joins this global initiative by spreading awareness, encouraging prevention and ensuring timely treatment for those affected by stroke.
Brain Attack: What is a Stroke?
A stroke occurs when the flow of blood to a region of the brain is obstructed by a blockage, called an ischemic stroke, or by bleeding, referred to as a hemorrhagic stroke. The oxygen-deprived tissue will die within minutes, and the person can become paralyzed, have speech difficulties, experience loss of memory, or even die if not treated right away.
Recognize Stroke Early — Act FAST!
Quick identification and action may make all the difference.
Remember the FAST signs:
	- F - Face drooping: One side of the face may droop or feel numb.
- A-Arm weakness: One arm feels weak or difficult to lift.
- S - Speech difficulty: Slurred or strange speech.
- T - Time to act: Call emergency services right away!
 
Every second counts, and early treatment within the first few hours can dramatically improve recovery outcomes.
Know the Risk Factors
Stroke can affect anybody, but the following risk factors increase the likelihood.
	- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Smoking and alcohol use
- High cholesterol
- Lack of physical activity and obesity
- Stress and poor diet
- Family history of stroke
 
The risk of stroke can be significantly reduced by controlling these risk factors through lifestyle modification and regular health check-ups.
Stroke Care at B. P. Poddar Hospital ????
Comprising an entire stroke management facility right from diagnosis and 
emergency care to rehabilitation, our Comprehensive 
Neurology and Emergency Care Unit here at B. P. Poddar Hospital & Medical Research Limited functions 24×7.
Our services include:
	- Advanced neuroimaging for quick diagnosis
- Round-the-clock expert neurologists and emergency physicians
- Stroke rehabilitation programmes include physiotherapy, speech and occupational therapy.
- Dietary and lifestyle counselling to support long-term recovery
 
Timely arrival at a stroke-ready hospital like ours can be life-saving.
Prevention Starts With You
Simple changes in lifestyle can do the trick:
	- Maintain a healthy diet and body weight
- Regularly check blood pressure and sugar levels.
- Stop smoking and reduce alcohol consumption.
- Stay active -- even a daily walk helps
- Go for regular health checkups
- Take control of your health — and urge your family members and friends to do the same.
 
This World Stroke Day — Act FAST, Save Lives
B. P. Poddar Hospital urges everyone to learn the signs, spread awareness, and seek immediate medical help the instant a stroke symptom presents itself. Together, we can build a community that is informed, prepared, and proactive. Because, when it comes to stroke — Every Minute Counts.