Forum on early detection and prevention of stroke
KOTA KINABALU: The United Sabah Chinese Communities Association of Kota Kinabalu (Usccakk) is organising a public forum on stroke awareness in collaboration with Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) to promote early detection and the overall prevention of stroke.
General internal medicine physician Dr Chey Shin Yee said the forum would discuss recognising early signs of stroke to provide early treatment which could prevent severe disability.
“Stroke is the third leading cause of death in Malaysia, yet many members of the public are still unaware of its early signs and symptoms.
“It is important to educate them to prevent more serious problems, by recognising stroke early so that patients could receive treatment as soon as possible.
“The forum would discuss these topics as well as stroke rehabilitation, as patients often suffer from weakness following a stroke.
“Participants would be able to meet with experts to go into further detail about the condition, as well as get information from booths available on that day,” she said.
Furthermore, Chey said the forum would discuss a newer form of stroke treatment known as thrombolysis, which had proven effective in some stroke patients.
However, the treatment adheres to strict criteria which determines eligibility of patients who receive thrombolysis, which would be discussed in further detail at the forum, she said.
QEH senior assistant medical officer (neurophysiology technologist) Calvien Ng said a 420-strong audience is targeted to attend the forum on November 10 (Saturday) from 7.30am to 12pm at Hakka Hall, Likas Bay.
Those interested to participate are required to register by November 7, by calling 012-882 1440/088532 140 (E Ling) or 012-825 2782 (Mary).
Invited speakers include QEH senior consultant neurologist Dr Chia Yuen Kang, rehabilitation physician Dr Jammie Joseph and National Stroke Association of Malaysia (Nasam) Kota Kinabalu chairperson Jasminah Ali.
Meanwhile, QEH head of health promotion unit said three booths would be featured at the forum, on smoking, stroke rehabilitation and stroke medication.
Usccakk president Datuk Susan Wong added that Health and People’s Wellbeing Minister Datuk Stephen Wong is expected to officiate at the forum, which she said was being organised to increase awareness and knowledge on stroke to curb its prevalence in Sabahans.
“People with hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol and other diseases, as well as obesity and lifestyle habits such as smoking, drinking alcohol, lack of exercise and a high salt diet are at higher risk of suffering from stroke, among others.
“We are organising this forum so that people are more conscious of their lifestyle choices in order to live a healthier life,” she said.