A stroke awareness campaign was held at Mandela Stadium in Hammanskraal recently attended by the Ward Councillor, Mr Adam Mashapa, social workers from the Department of Health and members of the community.
Senior citizens from Hammanskraal and Temba who attended the event, engaged in physical exercise, walks and were entertained with poetry from the different groups.
The paramedic who attended were also given advice on how to treat stroke patients.
Mrs Betty Lekgole, a social worker at the Department of Health, said October is stroke awareness month and the event was held to educate people about the causes and management of stroke.
“The myth that stroke only attacked older people is not true because today stroke can attack anyone regardless of age,” she said.
A stroke survivor, Mr Yazisani Dladla, spoke about his stroke experience as part of his motivational speech.
He said he suffered a stroke attack on his right arm while he was on his way from work and at the time he was not aware that it was stroke.
“My right hand started being weak and I called my friend who is a paramedic and I was taken to Jubilee Hospital and later transferred to George Mukhari in Garankuwa where I was told that it was stroke and that it was caused by blood clots.
“I encourage those who might suffer stroke not to give up and also the family members to give their support because it is not easy for stroke survivors during recovery,” he said.
Ms Itumeleng Sello, a dietitian of Tshwane Sub District Two, said in order to avoid lifestyle diseases, people should eat vegetables, fruits, and drink lots of water. She advised against large food portion to avoid obesity and to remove fat from red meat and chicken skin before cooking.
“People must also avoid using lots of spices in food and exercise to keep the body weight in proportion to the height to maintain a healthy body.
Blue Ribbon Bakery, Shoprite, Dr Kgwebane, Moretele Community Radio and Government Employee Medical Scheme (GEMS) sponsored the event.
