JP Nadda Emphasizes Healthy Living to Prevent Strokes on World Stroke Day
JP Nadda Stresses Healthy Living to Avert Strokes on World Stroke Day
New Delhi, October 29: Union Health Minister JP Nadda has urged citizens to adopt a healthy lifestyle by eating right, being physically active and managing stress to significantly reduce the risk of strokes. His message came on the occasion of World Stroke Day that is observed annually on October 29 to raise awareness about stroke prevention, early treatment and better support for survivors.
This year's theme is "Every Minute Counts," emphasizing that the sooner the signs and symptoms of stroke are recognized, the sooner treatment can begin to save lives and prevent long-term disability.
Healthy Lifestyle Key to Stroke Prevention: JP Nadda
In a post shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, JP Nadda underscored that though strokes can be sudden, they are by and large preventable with small but continuous lifestyle changes.
"Today, we observe World Stroke Day, a day that gives us an opportunity to raise awareness about stroke prevention and the importance of a healthy lifestyle," he said.
He further added, “Strokes can occur suddenly, but many are preventable through small, consistent, healthy choices. By eating right, staying active, and managing stress, we can lower our risk and lead healthier lives. Let’s take this day to learn, share, and make health our top priority.”
Nadda's message underlined a growing concern globally—that whereas stroke is among the leading causes of death and disability around the world, up to 90 per cent of the cases can be prevented through proactive lifestyle management and awareness.
Understanding Stroke: A Medical Emergency
A stroke happens either when the blood flow in a part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, depriving the cells of oxygen and vital nutrients, or when an artery either blocks or bursts. The blockage produces an ischemic stroke, while the burst generates a hemorrhagic stroke.
With each passing second, brain cells start dying during a stroke, and that is why early medical intervention is of paramount importance. Doctors say one should seek help within 4.5 hours—a period generally referred to as the "Golden Hour."
Strokes that are not treated within this window can cause permanent brain damage, paralysis, speech difficulties, and even death. Thus, early recognition of sudden numbness, confusion, blurred vision, loss of balance, or difficulty speaking can make the difference between complete recovery and lifelong disability.
Ayush Minister Reiterates Call for Preventive Care
Joining the awareness campaign, Minister of State for Ayush Prataprao Jadhav also posted a message on X, reinforcing the importance of preventive healthcare.
"On the occasion of World Stroke Day, an important message: A healthy lifestyle is the best remedy for stroke. Eat well, stay active, and manage stress. Take responsibility for your health!" he said.
The Ministry of Ayush has been promoting traditional wellness practices, including yoga, balanced diets, and mindfulness routines, as effective measures for stress reduction and heart health — keys in preventing stroke and other cardiovascular conditions.
Global Concern: Strokes Affect Millions Each Year
According to the WHO, strokes affect almost 12 million people yearly and are responsible for over 7 million deaths globally. Beyond mortality, strokes also remain a leading cause of long-term disability, which affects the patients' mobility, speech, and independence.What makes these statistics even more concerning is that almost nine out of ten strokes are preventable by making healthy lifestyle choices. The WHO has continuously reiterated that daily, simple lifestyle habits—such as managing blood pressure, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding tobacco and alcohol—can dramatically reduce one's stroke risk.
WHO's Recommendations to Reduce Stroke Risk
On World Stroke Day, the WHO has issued a public advisory to encourage people to protect their cardiovascular health and adhere to lifestyle modifications that protect the heart and brain. Key recommendations include:- Quit smoking and alcohol consumption: Both greatly increase the risk of stroke through the damaging of blood vessels and the raise in blood pressure.
- Monitor the blood pressure and cholesterol levels, as high levels silently damage arteries, predisposing them to stroke.
- Control of diabetes: Keeping blood sugar within normal limits prevents vascular complications.
- Exercise regularly: at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming, can help improve blood circulation and reduce risk factors.
- Eat a balanced diet: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products, and avoid processed, high-sodium foods to help keep the heart healthy.
- Manage your stress: Long-term stress can elevate blood pressure and promote inflammation, culminating in stroke risk over time.
These are guidelines that align with the theme “Every Minute Counts” in reminding people that in addition to the immediate and urgent emergency response required, much long-term commitment is needed in preventing strokes through consistent healthy practices.
The Rising Burden of Stroke in India
In India, the cases of stroke have been on the rise, especially in urban areas due to sedentary lifestyles, improper diets, and stress. Data from ICMR shows that stroke has emerged as one of the top five causes of deaths among people.Experts point out that causes such as lack of awareness, delayed hospital visits, and poor control of life-style diseases like hypertension and diabetes are major contributing factors. While urban healthcare infrastructure has improved, rural areas still face major challenges in accessing timely stroke care.
World Stroke Day and similar campaigns are important reminders for governments and citizens to focus on prevention, say public health experts.
According to Dr. Shalini Mehra, a neurologist at Delhi's AIIMS, "Prevention is always better than cure for a stroke. Controlling risk factors such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes can drastically reduce the incidence of stroke. However, timely recognition of symptoms and reaching the hospital within the golden hour remains critical."
Recognizing the Symptoms: The FAST Rule
Health experts recommend the FAST rule as a simple way to spot early signs of stroke:F - Face drooping: One side of the face may feel numb or droop.
A - Arm weakness: Inability to lift one arm evenly.
S - Speech difficulty: Slurred or garbled speech.
T - Time to call emergency services: The injury requires immediate medical attention.
Public awareness of this simple rule can save countless lives as patients would be treated within the window.
Government’s Commitment to Public Health
The Health Ministry has been actively working on strengthening stroke care units across government hospitals and improving awareness through campaigns under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Stroke. Consequently, the program will emphasize early detection, community-level screening, and public education on lifestyle modification. This message by JP Nadda is part of a greater endeavor toward the reduction of the burden of non-communicable diseases in India.Every Minute Counts: A Call to Action
World Stroke Day reminds us that time is brain — every minute of delay costs millions of brain cells. The greatest weapons against the growing global threat of stroke are awareness, preventive care, and swift response.The theme "Every Minute Counts" can be interpreted not only in reference to emergency action but also to the daily lifestyle choices that determine long-term brain and heart health.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
While India continues to struggle against the growing menace of lifestyle diseases, the message from leadership voices like JP Nadda and Prataprao Jadhav comes across clear: health is a personal responsibility.Small yet regular actions, such as eating healthy food, regular exercise, not smoking, and stress management — all these together can help build a healthier, stroke-free future.
World Stroke Day 2025 reminds us that prevention begins with awareness and action. Whether through public campaigns, medical education, or personal discipline, each step toward a healthier lifestyle brings us closer to saving lives — one minute at a time.