Every day, approximately three individuals are admitted to the Colonial War Memorial Hospital in Fiji due to strokes, according to Counterstroke Fiji. This alarming statistic underscores a growing health concern regarding strokes, particularly among younger populations.
Elizabeth Reade Fong, president of Counterstroke Fiji, emphasizes the dire need for lifestyle changes. The organization has observed a troubling trend where not only older individuals but also younger people, including children as young as four, are increasingly suffering from strokes. Fong stressed the importance of a balanced diet, noting that the shift towards ultra-processed foods has contributed significantly to this trend.
Globally, it is reported that one in four individuals will experience a stroke in their lifetime, with Transient Ischaemic Attacks (TIA) often going unnoticed, potentially leading to more severe strokes later. The increase in sedentary lifestyles, exacerbated by the popularity of yaqona consumption, has also been pointed out as a contributing factor to the rise in stroke incidences.
Fong advocates for preventive measures, stating that “prevention is the only cure.” Emphasizing a holistic lifestyle approach that includes adequate physical activity, balanced nutrition, and mental well-being, she indicates that such changes can significantly reduce stroke risks.
Counterstroke Fiji, which has been active since 1988, has reached out to hundreds of stroke survivors, providing a supportive environment through their weekly TalkShop sessions where survivors gather, socialize, and receive health monitoring assistance.
Dr. Luisa Cikamatana highlighted at recent forums that non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes further contribute to stroke cases in Fiji, where about 38% of individuals aged 30 are at risk of dying before 70 due to these diseases. Efforts by Counterstroke Fiji to raise awareness and foster community support are crucial in addressing these health challenges.
This urgent call to action for healthier lifestyles is essential, and the work being done by organizations like Counterstroke Fiji offers both support and hope. With continued education and community engagement, there is optimism that improvements in dietary and lifestyle choices will lead towards a healthier future for all Fijians.
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