Associate Professor Dr. Nesrin Ergin from PAU Hospitals’ Department of Neurology stated the following in her message:
“As part of the health awareness activities we conduct within our university, we are once again meeting with our community on October 29, World Stroke Day. As in previous years, we are organizing an awareness campaign under the theme ‘Every Minute Counts,’ emphasizing the preventable causes of stroke, its early symptoms, and the importance of acting quickly. Because in a stroke, time lost means brain lost. Stroke is not merely a neurological condition; it also poses a significant threat to public health. One in four people worldwide faces the risk of having a stroke during their lifetime. In Türkiye as well, increasing awareness and reducing preventable stroke cases are of great importance. Our goal is to strengthen the public’s understanding that stroke is, in fact, a preventable disease. In this year’s event, we are focusing on three main points: creating awareness about stroke risk factors and their preventability, highlighting the importance of recognizing early symptoms and acting swiftly, and emphasizing healthy lifestyle habits. Using time wisely for proper intervention during a stroke is of vital importance. Therefore, we emphasize the ‘FAST’ rule at every opportunity: F (Face) Drooping on one side of the face, A (Arm) Weakness in the arm, S (Speech) Speech difficulty, T (Time) Call 112 without delay. These simple yet invaluable steps can save a life.”

Dr. Nesrin Ergin: “Do not waste time when you notice the symptoms.”

Highlighting that preventing stroke is not as difficult as it is often thought, Dr. Ergin emphasized the need to control risk factors. She noted that the most fundamental steps include regularly monitoring blood pressure, keeping diabetes and insulin resistance under control, maintaining healthy cholesterol levels, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption. Dr. Ergin continued:
“Adopting a healthy lifestyle makes a significant difference. Engaging in at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise such as brisk walking per week, following a Mediterranean-style diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and including whole grains, olive oil, and nuts in meals are essential. It is also very important for desk workers to avoid sitting for long periods and to incorporate small movement breaks throughout the day. In addition, recognizing the early signs of stroke and acting without delay can save lives. Sudden drooping or asymmetry in the face, sudden weakness or numbness in the arm or leg (especially on one side), speech or comprehension difficulties, sudden vision loss, or loss of balance should never be ignored. The right thing to do upon noticing these symptoms is to go to the emergency department immediately without wasting any time. Stroke is a preventable disease, and each of us can take responsibility in this matter. By saying ‘We have a minute,’ we can raise awareness for both our own health and that of those around us. Together, on October 29, World Stroke Day, let’s say stop to strokes, raise awareness, act without delay, and race against time.”