Owerri residents sensitised on stroke prevention during awareness walk

Residents of Owerri, Imo State, have been educated on stroke prevention and the importance of seeking prompt medical attention during an awareness walk organised to mark the 2026 World Stroke Day.

The programme, held on Saturday, October 31, featured a health walk and free medical checks, including blood pressure and blood glucose tests.

The campaign was organised by Regions Healthcare Foundation in collaboration with LabRad Diagnostics, Owerri, and Regions Hospital Stroke Center.

Speaking during the event, the President of the foundation, Dr. Sherece Anyanwu, said the exercise was aimed at raising awareness about stroke, its risk factors and the importance of adopting healthier lifestyles.

She said regular physical exercise and proper management of health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol could help reduce the risk of stroke.

Anyanwu also stressed the need for immediate medical attention when someone suffers a stroke, noting that delays in treatment could lead to further brain damage and worsen the patient’s condition.

She urged residents to take prescribed medications and undergo regular health checks.

Also speaking, a Professor of Clinical Neurology and Stroke Services at Regions Healthcare Hospital, Owerri, Prof. Benjamin Anyanwu, described stroke as a major public health concern and a leading cause of disability among adults.

He said stroke could affect anyone, regardless of age or background, making public awareness and education important in preventing the condition and reducing its impact.

The professor also highlighted the importance of the medical checks conducted during the programme, saying they allowed participants to assess their blood pressure and blood glucose levels.

The event featured physical exercise sessions and demonstrations on stroke rehabilitation, with participants receiving information on exercises that could assist people recovering from stroke.

Those who attended included members of the Nigerian Medical Association, Owerri Zone, Wakathon Community International, medical students from Imo State University and the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, as well as members of the National Association of Seadogs.

Other participants included representatives of Chillis Bar and Grill and Mangero Bottled Water.