During this year’s observance of “World Stroke Day,” Thursday, Oct. 29, the American Heart Association and its division, the American Stroke Association will join international organizations with a unified message about the global threat of stroke. 

This year’s theme is “What Can I Do?”

“Every 40 seconds, someone suffers a stroke,” said Jacqueline Isherwood, executive director of the American Heart Association in Toledo.

Stroke occurs when a vessel that brings blood to the brain bursts or is clogged by a blood clot or some other mass. It is the third leading cause of death in the United States, the second leading cause of death in the world and a leading cause of severe, long-term disability.

With the theme of “What Can I Do?” World Stroke Day 2009 encourages people all over the world to take action against stroke.  Some ideas include committing to learn about stroke risks and warning signs or volunteering to help educate others about stroke.

“World Stroke Day dedicates a day of awareness to the issue of stroke once a year,” said Dr. Vladimir Hachinski, chairman of the World Stroke Day Working Group and first vice president of the World Federation of Neurology. “Each of us must confirm our commitment in the fight against stroke not just today, but everyday.”

“The American Stroke Association is focused on reducing risk, disability and death from stroke through research, education, fund raising and advocacy,” said Isherwood, “We plan on doing our part during World Stroke Day by encouraging the people of Toledo  to know their risk factors and to volunteer their time to help stroke survivors.”

The World Stroke Organization (WSO) was created Oct. 29, 2006, at the Regional World Stroke Congress in Cape Town, South Africa, when the International Stroke Society and the World Stroke Federation merged to form one single organization. Since then, the annual World Stroke Day is held on the “birthday” of the WSO - Oct. 29.

To learn more about stroke or what you can do to take a stand against stroke, visit strokeassociation.org or call your local American Heart Association/American Stroke Association at 419-740-6180.

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