THE STAR, TUESDAY 25 OCTOBER 2016

WORLD STROKE DAY

New waves in treatment

Stroke is the third largest cause of death in the country,
but there is hope for a better life after stroke thanks to
improving medical technology and rehabilitation.

2 World Stroke Day

By NISSHANTHAN DHANAPALAN
HELD every Oct 29, World Stroke
Day aims to raise awareness on
both the incidence of stroke and
the millions of survivors who
are still working to improve their
lives through treatment and
rehabilitation.
According to the World Stroke
Campaign under the World Stroke
Organization, this condition affects
17 million people worldwide, with
5.5 million deaths and 26 million
survivors between 2014 and last
year.
Stroke is the third largest cause
of death in Malaysia. According to
Dr Loh Pei Kee, consultant
neurologist at Ara Damansara
Medical Centre, it is estimated that
almost 40,000 Malaysians suffer
from stroke every year and it
affects men more than women.
Stroke itself is defined as the
sudden and unpredictable result of
tissue damage caused by a blood
clot or haemorrhage in the brain.
This localised tissue damage
occurs due to the loss of oxygen
transported to brain cells. The
brain itself uses 25% of all oxygen
used in the body.
In line with this years World
Stroke Day theme highlighting that
stroke is a treatable disease, the
perception about stroke treatment,
rehabilitation as well as research
and development is changing
towards a more positive outlook.

Immediate action
Current conventional methods
of treatment revolve around
addressing the cause of the stroke,
alleviating symptoms and
rehabilitation. Going back to the
core of stroke treatment, time is
everything.
The faster a stroke patient has
access to treatment, the higher the
chance of saving the patient in
terms of morbidity and mortality.
Stroke is usually categorised into
two types, ischaemia stroke and
haemorrhagic stroke. Ischaemia
stroke occurs when there is a
restriction of a blood vessel in the
brain due to a blood clot and
plaque build-up.
Haemorrhagic stroke, on the
other hand, occurs when a weak
blood vessel ruptures due to an
increase in blood pressure.
Upon admission, doctors will
come up with a strategy to reduce
the effects of the stroke on the
brain through medication and
drugs before assessing the type of

THE STAR, TUESDAY 25 OCTOBER 2016

It is treatable

The morbidity and mortality of a stroke patient is dependant on how fast they are treated.
stroke the patient is having.
This would include a thorough
medical history check as well as
certain diagnostic tests that will
inform the doctor on suitable
treatment strategies.
Evaluation of a patient with
suspected stroke is performed after
thorough history and clinical
examination.
It is divided into imaging, blood
tests and other diagnostic tests
such as computerised tomography,
magnetic resonance imaging and
magnetic resonance angiogram of
the brain, says Dr Loh.
Other diagnostic tests that
are commonly carried out
are electrocardiogram,
echocardiogram and transcranial
Doppler study.
Treatment strategies for both
ischaemic and haemorrhagic
conditions differ as doctors race to
reduce the impact of stroke on the
affected brain tissue.
Acute treatment for ischaemic
stroke such as blood-clot busting
and endovascular treatment, if
given or done early in carefully
selected patients, can reverse the
artery occlusion and reverse or
minimise the severity of stroke,
says Dr Loh.
In the case of an ischaemic
stroke, blood thinners and
clot-dissolving medications
will be administered to the
patient to break down the
clot of the restricted
blood vessel in the brain.
One such strategy is
to use a drug known as
recombinant tissue
plasminogen activator
(tPA).
Ischaemic stroke
occurs when fibrin, a
structure in our blood,
traps blood cells and
platelets, forming a
clot along an artery in
the brain.
This usually occurs
when there is an
increased amount of
plaque formation in
the inner wall of a
brain artery.
The tPA then aids in
the generation of an
enzyme known as
plasmin, which
dissolves the clot, thus
restoring blood flow.
According to a 2014

meta-analytical study published in

The Lancet, clot-busting drugs
increase the chance of an effective
treatment outcome by 30%.
The drug can be injected into
patients within 4.5 hours of
symptom onset. The earlier the
treatment is given, the greater the
effect. This treatment can also be
administered for medium to severe
stroke attacks, says Dr Mooi Chin
Leong, neurologist from Mahkota
Medical Centre.
Although this drug has
significant impact in improving
recovery outcomes, it is only
available in selected hospitals due
to its cost and scarcity.
In addition to this, the
administration of tPA also comes
with risks. Thus, it can only be
administered by experienced
physicians as it can cause excessive
bleeding in higher doses.
Another advancement in the
treatment of ischaemic stroke is
through endovascular treatments.
This involves a procedure
known as mechanical
thrombectomy, where a discreet
wire-caged device or stent is sent
via a catheter to the site of the
blocked blood vessel to widen it
and allow for more blood flow.
Doctors proceed with this
treatment only after the patient
has received tPA and the blood
clot has been cleared.
Treatment for haemorrhagic
stroke is a lot more different
compared to ischaemic stroke.
The aim of the treatment is to
stop the bleeding from the
ruptured vessel as fast as possible
to reduce blood loss and a dip in
oxygen concentration in the brain.
According to the American
Stroke Association, there are two
main treatment strategies for
haemorrhagic stroke an
endovascular procedure or a
surgical procedure.
Similar to ischaemic stroke, a
catheter is inserted through an
artery and travels to the site of
vessel rupture to deposit a
mechanical agent like a coil to
prevent further damage and
reduce blood loss.
Endovascular procedures for
haemorrhagic stroke has made
great strides in terms of minimally
invasive procedures. This
decreases patients recovery time
and allows them to proceed
with rehabilitation therapy as

Rehabilitation
is a process. The
long-term goal is to
facilitate a stroke
survivor in becoming
as independent as
possible. Survivors
will be encouraged
to relearn basic
skills such as eating,
bathing, dressing,
walking and
communicating.
soon as possible.
Surgical procedures are
prescribed for haemorrhagic
stroked cause by an abnormal
tangle of blood vessels or a severe
aneurysm.

Road to recovery
Rehabilitation is a process. The
long-term goal is to facilitate a
stroke survivor in becoming as
independent as possible.
Survivors will be encouraged to
relearn basic skills such as eating,
bathing, dressing, walking and
communicating. Rehabilitation
therapy starts in the hospital itself
once the patients vitals have
stabilised.
Once the patient is stable,
rehabilitation will commence, even
while he is in the intensive care
unit. The type and level of
rehabilitation will be increased
according to the patients disability,
tolerance and improvement,
says Dr Loh.
Rehabilitation helps stroke
patients relearn skills that are lost
due to a damage at a specific
position in the brain.
Rehabilitation therapies help
the brain create new neural
connections in the damaged area,
thus restoring function to the brain
and improving physical function.
Like the treatment process,
rehabilitation is personalised and
based on the severity of the stroke.

Physiotherapy, occupational
therapy, counselling, recreational
activities and light sports are some
of the therapy modules in the
rehabilitation process.
However, rehabilitation therapy
can be costly and time consuming.
Survivors and their family have to
assess available options and where
they can get the best service
possible. This is where associations
and non-government organisations
come in.
We know that hospitals
generally charge RM100 to RM150
per hour for rehabilitation
therapy. However, the queue is
long and, often, patients may only
be able to get two appointments in
a month, says Sylvia Chong,
general manager of the National
Stroke Association of Malaysia
(Nasam)
At Nasam, our one-to-one
rehabilitation therapy costs less
and for group therapy, we seek a
contribution of only RM300 per
month at our Petaling Jaya centre
and lower at our other centres.
Survivors who sign up for
group therapy come to Nasam for
rehabilitation for two hours every
day. This works out to be a very
minimal sum per hour, she adds.

Beyond convention
Some doctors believe that if
complementary medicine does not
cause excessive harm and does not
interfere with an ongoing medical
regime, patients can explore these
options to reduce symptoms.
Complementary medicine
such as acupuncture is suitable
to relieve pain for some patients
and it is being practised as a
professional medical treatment
in some countries. In addition,
some patients are allergic to
certain medications. Hence,
complementary medicine offers
them an alternative, says Dr
Mooi.
Dr Mooi adds that there should
be transparent communication
between the doctor and survivor
if they are pursuing alternative
medicine so that doctors can
advise on the risks of a certain
complementary medicine
treatment or modify their current
treatment.
There is a great deal of research
and development that is being
conducted to find new treatment
and rehabilitation options for
stroke survivors.
Last June, a clinical trial
conducted by Stanford University
of Medicine, the United States,
showed that modified stem cells
injected into the brain of chronic
stroke patients have the ability to
restore motor functions. Although
the trial produced promising pilot
results, the true efficacy and safety
of this therapy option will only be
concluded at the end of the trial.
Although stroke is treatable, it
does not mean we are allowed to
be complacent. Prevention is
always better than cure and by
maintaining a healthy lifestyle, we
can reduce the risks of getting a
stroke.
On the flip side, the fact that
stroke is treatable should be
regarded as a moral boost for
survivors to be more confident in
regaining their physical functions
and improving their quality of life.
In future, stroke treatment will
cost less yet be highly accessible
with a spectrum of available
treatment options.

> SEE ALSO PAGE 11

World Stroke Day 3

THE STAR, TUESDAY 25 OCTOBER 2016

IT is that time of the year again to

shed some light on the topic of
stroke. Between 2010 and 2014,
there was an increase in the
number of stroke patients in
Malaysia.
World Stroke Day was first
celebrated in 2006 and later fixed
on Oct 29 as the World Stroke
Organization (WSO) was officially
formed on this day.
WSO is an international
non-governmental organisation
recognised by the World Health
Organization (WHO).
Stroke, one of the leading causes
of death in Malaysia, is disabling
yet treatable.
It costs money and time to treat
hypertension and stress as they are
considered the main contributing
factors of stroke.
Hypertension is increasing
among Malaysians above the age of
30 and if a person experiences a
stroke at the age of 55, the impact
will greatly affect his earning
ability and future.
This year, iRehab decided to do
something different to serve a
greater cause. On this day, in the
international fight for access to
stroke care, iRehab signed a
petition, calling out to stroke
patients and Malaysians to join in
support of this noble cause.
This petition is in support of the
Global Stroke Bill of Rights petition
launched by WSO.
This petition is not a legal
document it is a stroke-care guide
that supports the best possible
outcomes for both stroke survivors
and their families.
The physiotherapy and stroke
rehabilitation centre takes pride in
the care that is provided to all
patients and is delighted that its
facility supports the Stroke Bill of
Rights.

Proceed with speed

Hypertension is
increasing among
Malaysians above
the age of 30 and if
a person experiences
a stroke at the age
of 55, the impact
will greatly affect
his earning ability
and future.

Zalilah Salleh Ghany is the founder and chief executive officer of iRehab, a physiotherapy and stroke rehabilitation
centre.
Founded by Zalilah Salleh Ghany,
the facility was initially conceived
with strong foundations in
neurological rehabilitation.
However, it began providing
services for other conditions,
including back, neck and knee pain
over time to meet clients needs.
The centre strives for excellence
in care and, as such, supports
evidence-based practice. One
instance is the usage of
robot-assisted gait training
also known as Lokomat.
A study in 2013 published by the
Cochrane Database of Systematic
Reviews shows that early
rehabilitation and high-repetition

gait training ensures consistent

brain stimulation, which, for
example, helps individuals learn
to walk again.
Under one roof, iRehab provides
a team of healthcare professionals
(physiotherapist, occupational
therapist, speech therapist,
prosthetist, orthotist, doctors and
nurses) in providing personalised
care.
Believing in continual care,
iRehabs services start from your
doorstep. It offers transitional
home care, a stay-in care centre
that focuses on improving a stroke
survivors independence through
intense rehabilitation.

One such stroke survivor that

has experienced the services in its
fullness is Cheah Swee Peng. The
54-year-old stroke survivor with a
left-sided weakness was
wheelchair-bound, totally
dependent on others for his
personal care and was unable to
walk when he first went to iRehab.
Cheah's family sought
transitional-care services that
included nursing care,
physiotherapy, occupational
therapy and Lokomat.
After four weeks of intensive
rehabilitation, Cheah recovered
and was able to care for himself,
walk without a walking aid and

drive independently.
To add the cherry on the cake,
he returned to his pre-stroke
employment as a sales executive at
an international-based company
two weeks after his discharge from
rehabilitation.
The WSO theme for this year is
Face the facts: Stroke is Treatable
with the tagline Lives can improve
with better awareness, access, and
action.
Cheahs recovery story surely
supports this tagline. Life can be
recovered in light of a stroke when
the right actions are taken at the
right time.

n For more information

or to support the Stroke

Bill of Rights, visit
www.worldstrokecampaign.org.

4 World Stroke Day

THE STAR, TUESDAY 25 OCTOBER 2016

The highs of exercise

The NordicTrack T13
Treadmill is equipped
with a wide selection
of workout apps,
OneTouch speed and
incline controls,
FlexSelect cushioning
and a SpaceSaver
design with EasyLift
assist.

ACCORDING to the
National Stroke Association
of Malaysia, stroke
is the third largest
cause of death in this
country with an
estimate of 40,000
cases yearly.
The risk of getting stroke
can be reduced by adopting
a healthy lifestyle limiting
alcohol consumption,
eating a healthy diet,
quitting smoking and
being more physically
active.
Exercising helps to
lower blood pressure,
control weight, create a
healthy balance of blood
fats and improve the
bodys ability to handle
insulin.
Aim to do moderateintensity exercise for 30
minutes for at least five
days a week.
Brisk walking is the
easiest form of exercise
suitable for people of all ages and
fitness levels.
It can be done at any time and

The console comes with a

six-inch backlit display with a
music port and the
autoBreeze workout fan.
even at home with a treadmill.
An American brand, the
NordicTrack T13 Treadmill is
equipped with impressive
features designed to make
walking or jogging more
enjoyable with the convenience
of doing it at home.
This treadmill features a
smooth and powerful 2.75 CHP
DurX Commercial Plus Motor to
a 20-inch by 60-inch tread belt.
Total calories burned and
workout progress can be
tracked with the six-inch large
backlit display. It is equipped
with a music port compatible
with iPods and the autoBreeze
workout fan that automatically
adjusts its speed to match
individual workout speed.
Other performance features
include:
l A wide selection of
workout apps Burn calories
through incline, speed or
intensity built-in workouts
designed by a certified personal
trainer.

l OneTouch speed and

incline controls Increase
workout speed up to 20km/h
and incline up to 12% with the
touch of a button to increase
intensity and calorie burn. Stay
focused on performance
instead of scrolling through
settings.
l FlexSelect cushioning
Get the best of both worlds
from an adjustable treadmill
cushioning. Turn it clockwise
for impact reduction and
joint comfort. Turn it back
for a surface that feels like a
road.
l SpaceSaver design with
EasyLift assist Fold the
treadmill up and it is out of the
way for convenient cleaning
and storage. A hydraulicdampening spring does the
heavy lifting so the treadmill
can be easily folded to save
floor space.
The NordicTrack T13
treadmill is available

The FlexSelect cushioning protects

joints and ligaments by
significantly reducing impact.

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The OneTouch speed and incline

controls allow you to intensify your
workout with the touch of a button.

World Stroke Day 5

THE STAR, TUESDAY 25 OCTOBER 2016

OSTEOPOROSIS is a chronic,
debilitating disease that reduces
bone density and quality. It
affects bones by causing them to
become porous and fragile, thus
weakening the skeleton and
significantly increasing the risk
of fractures.
Bone loss occurs silently and
progressively, often without
symptoms until the first fracture
occurs, most commonly at the
hips, spine and wrist.
Although genetic factors
largely determine the size and
density of bones, lifestyle factors
such as good nutrition, regular
exercise, and avoiding smoking
and excessive alcohol
consumption also play key roles.

Keep the boost

Calcium is a major building
block of bone tissue, which also
acts as a reservoir to balance
calcium levels in the blood.
Calcium requirements change
during the various stages of our
lives.
When dietary calcium is
mentioned, we generally
associate it with milk and other
dairy products.
Although dairy products
have high levels of dietary
calcium, they also contain
animal proteins and growth
factors, lactose sugar, and a
substantial amount of fat and
cholesterol, making them a less
favourable calcium option for
those with allergies, bowel
irregularities, obesity and
cardiovascular disease.
Gaining is as important as
preserving, as getting the right
amount of dietary calcium is
important. However, a crucial
aspect of bone health is to
ensure that calcium in bone
tissue is maintained.

Keeping
bones strong
Weight-bearing exercises such as running can help you maintain calcium in the bones and increase bone density.
High salt intake is a commonly
recognised risk factor for
osteoporosis because it leads to
hypercalciuria or excessive
urinary calcium excretion.
The blood level of calcium is
carefully controlled whereby
when it is too low, the calcium
from bones dissolves into the
bloodstream.
When it is too high, extra
calcium either passes through
the kidneys and out of the body
through urine or gets stored in
the bones.
A study published in the
Journal of Human Hypertension
in 2009 showed that high blood
pressure due to high salt intake is
linked to high levels of dissolved
calcium in blood, which leads to

loss of bone mass.

Protein is also an important
component in building and
maintaining bone mass. Fish,
poultry, lean red meat, eggs and
dairy products are excellent
protein sources, but they tend
to encourage calciums passage
into the urine.
This occurs due to high
amounts of sulphur-containing
amino acids in animal proteins
that cause acidification of the
blood. Calcium is released from
the bones to neutralise it.
Calcium is abundant in many
food sources. Some of these
sources include green leafy
vegetables, legumes and fortified
foods.
Broccoli, Brussels sprouts and

other greens are also loaded with

highly absorbable calcium and a
host of other healthty nutrients.
Plenty of calcium can be found
in tofu and beans, which also
contain magnesium that your
body requires for better bone
health.

Get physical
Exercise is vital for maintaining
calcium in the bones and
increasing bone density. One of
the best bone-building exercises
is the weight-bearing kind, which
forces you to work against
gravity.
Some examples include weight
training, walking, hiking, tennis
and dancing. Exercises that are

not weight bearing include

swimming and cycling.
Based on a study, individuals
who practised aerobic exercises
and weight-bearing activities
combined with weight lifting
three times a week experienced
significant increase in regional
bone density.
Although non-weight-bearing
exercises tone muscles, they have
little impact on maintaining bone
density and calcium content.
With simple yet effective
lifestyle modifications, you can
take control of your bone health
and prevent osteoporosis.

n This article is brought to you by

your partner in health, Guardian
Health and Beauty Sdn Bhd.

6 World Stroke Day

THIS years World Stroke Day
theme stroke is treatable is
a beacon of hope for stroke
survivors.
It recognises that although stroke
is a complex medical issue, there
are ways to significantly reduce its
impact, whether through
prevention
or effective treatment and
rehabilitation.
As one of the main drivers
of healthcare advancement,
technology plays a great role
in improving stroke rehabilitation.
It has a central role in mobility
training and therapy today, with
current and future applications
supporting the notion that there is
hope for a good quality of life poststroke.

Humble beginnings
The usage of electrical
stimulation in targeted
physiotherapy was not always the
prescribed rehabilitation method
for stroke patients
in fact, prior to the 1950s,
physiotherapy was not popular
in this area as physical activity was

THE STAR, TUESDAY 25 OCTOBER 2016

Tech-advanced
rehabilitation
vehemently discouraged after a
stroke.
In functional electrical
stimulation, the actions of healthy
muscles are imitated using small
electrical signals that stimulate the
nerves of the affected area.
This electrical activity induces
the contraction of muscles, which
aids in their quick recovery and
relearning.
The signals come from nerve
stimulators in the form of a small
control box worn on the body or
surgically implantable devices
placed under the skin.
Although widely used to improve
the lower extremity
of stroke patients particularly
to treat foot drop it is also
applicable to leg and arm muscles.

Regular prescribed sessions

of electrical stimulation have
proven to improve independent
muscle function in shorter
periods of time.
Robot-assisted therapy is when
specially designed machines take
the place of a human
physiotherapist, coaching patients
through repeated exercises to
train muscles affected by their
stroke.
Using robots and machines in
rehabilitation allows patients to
carry out their exercises even at
home. On top of that, robots are
more effective because they help
with more repetitions than a
therapist is typically able to.

> TURN TO PAGE 10

One of the oldest examples of technology application in stroke rehabilitation

is seen in functional electrical simulation.

Importance of
sufficient sleep
IN todays fast-paced, sleepdeprived world, the need for a
restorative nights sleep is more
important than ever.
According to Arianna
Huffington, the co-founder and
editor-in-chief of the Huffington
Post, we are in the midst of a
sleep-deprivation crisis.
This has profound
consequences on our health, job
performances, relationships and
even happiness, according to her
book The Sleep Revolution.
A study published in 2011 in
the European Heart Journal
examined the sleep habits of
more than 470,000 participants
across eight countries and
reported that prolonged sleep
deprivation increases the risk of
suffering from a stroke or heart
disease.
Chronic short sleep produces
hormones and chemicals in the
body that increase the risk of
developing heart disease, stroke
and conditions such as high
blood pressure, cholesterol,
diabetes and obesity.
Co-author of the report
Prof Francesco Cappuccio, says,
If you sleep less than six hours
per night and have disturbed
sleep, you stand a 48% greater
chance of developing or dying
from heart disease and a 15%
greater chance of developing or
dying from a stroke.
By ensuring you have about
seven hours of sleep a night, you
are protecting your health and
reducing the risk of developing
chronic illnesses.
A three-year study of 5,666
adults presented at the SLEEP
2012 conference found that
stroke risk was four times higher
for those who habitually sleep
less than six hours a night.
The public is less aware of the

impact of insufficient amounts

of sleep. Sleep is important as
the body is stressed when it
doesnt get the right amount of
it, says Megan Ruiter, lead
author of the study presented at
the SLEEP 2012 conference.
Russian Academy of Medical
Sciences professor of cardiology
Prof Valery Gafarov says, Poor
sleep should be considered a
modifiable risk factor for
cardiovascular disease along
with smoking, lack of exercise
and poor diet. Guidelines
should add sleep as a risk factor
to recommendations for
preventing cardiovascular
disease.
Medical issues, stress, sleep
hygiene and medications that
could be possibly keeping you
awake at night are some of the
important details to consider
when trying to improve sleep.
A further key question is
whether you are getting the
healthy and restorative sleep
the body needs. Healthy and
restorative sleep occurs during
slow-wave deep sleep and REM
(rapid eye movement) sleep
stages.
It is during these stages that
the body rests and repairs
physically, emotionally and
mentally, most effectively.
Studies have shown that
L-Theanine, an extract of green
tea, and alpha casein tryptic
hydrolysate, a peptide from
milk, have calming properties
that promote sleep quality and
improve relaxation.
This article is brought to you
by LiveLife Sdn Bhd.

n For more information,

call 1800 880 488 or
e-mail info@rilax.info.

World Stroke Day 7

THE STAR, TUESDAY 25 OCTOBER 2016

THIS Dec 11, the National Heart

Institute (Institut Jantung Negara,
IJN) will organise its inaugural IJN
Ride 4 Your Heart cycling event
with the theme Ride Hard, Strong
Heart.
Beginning and ending at The
University of Nottingham
Malaysia Campus, this activity will
see people of all walks of life
travelling 28km or 115km routes
on their bicycles.
IJN is always looking to
promote healthy living and since
there are quite a number of
cycling enthusiasts among the
staff members, cycling was
identified as one of the ways we
can achieve this, says Datuk Dr
Mohd Azhari Yakub, chief
executive officer and
senior consultant cardiac surgeon
at IJN.

Getting the pedals moving

cardiovascular complications or
even stroke.
The only way to halt this
epidemic is to make significant
changes to unhealthy lifestyles.
IJN advocates eating a balanced
diet and being physically active.
It continuously conducts
programmes that educate and
empower the public to make
more informed choices for their
well-being.

Shared responsibility

Fun in fitness
An avid cyclist for the past six
years, Dr Azhari says his favourite
routes include Gombak-Genting
Sempah and Hulu Langat-Genting
Peres.
When looking for alternatives
to jogging that would not affect
my knees and ankles as I get
older, I found cycling to be a lowimpact exercise enjoyable at my
own pace or with a group. Its
benefits include better
cardiovascular health and
reduced impact on ageing joints
compared to jogging or running,
he shares.
Dr Azhari explains that cycling
allows the heart to work at an
optimal level, which, when done
for a sustained period, trains the
heart to cope with higher intensity
levels.
This makes it one of the best
cardio fitness exercises for people

Dr Azhari is a cycling enthusiast who believes that people of all ages stand to reap multiple health benefits from the
low-intensity sport.
of all ages, contributing to its
increased popularity in the country
over the past decade.
Contrary to popular belief,
cycling is not an expensive hobby
all you require are a functional
two-wheeler, a love for nature and
determination.
Once you are committed to
cycling twice or thrice a week, you
can gradually upgrade your bicycle

but you do not need a high-end

ride to start off, says Dr Azhari.

Prevention through
education
The nature of modern living
has given rise to sedentary
habits we prefer travelling in
cars over walking and the younger
generations leisurely activities are

largely digital and do not require

physical activity outdoors.
Fast food is widely available
and affordable, and in Asian
cultures, many social and business
activities centre around food, says
Dr Azhari.
All these and more, he explains,
give rise to non-communicable
diseases such as obesity and
diabetes, which can lead to

Registered Ride 4 Your Heart

participants will gather at IJN
on Dec 3 to collect their race pack,
which consists of a T-shirt, goodie
bag, bib number, timing chip,
medal and e-Certificate.
They will also be privy to a
host of health talks and
cardiopulmonary resuscitation
(CPR) lessons conducted on the
same day.
Dr Azhari hopes that events of
this nature can be organised on a
regular basis, not only by IJN but
other corporations and healthcare
providers.
He believes that these
parties have a pivotal role to
play in empowering the
community to make better lifestyle
choices, thus taking essential first
steps to tackle the considerable
socioeconomic burden of noncommunicable diseases.

n Register online for Ride 4 Your

Heart at www.gosportz.my or
call 03-2517 8200 for more
information.

8 World Stroke Day

THE STAR, TUESDAY 25 OCTOBER 2016

Reliability and
accuracy at home
MEASURING ones blood pressure at home
or in any other relaxed environment can
help prevent white-coat hypertension, which
is a sudden and abnormal spike in blood
pressure readings taken during visits to the
doctors clinic due to anxiety.
According to the American Heart
Association, the best way to predict the risk
of and prevent a stroke or heart attack due
to high blood pressure is through continual
monitoring at home rather than periodic
checks at the clinic.
While most people understand the
importance of monitoring their blood
pressure at home, they have yet to
understand the importance of reliable,
accurate measurements and the correct
fitting of the arm cuff.
Omron Healthcare, a global leading
manufacturer of blood pressure monitors for
home use, is equipped with technologies that
ensure each measurement is reliable and
accurate.
The Omron Ultra Premium Blood Pressure
Monitor HEM-7320 is built with an
easy-positioning wrap for reliable cuff
positioning at a wide angle, allowing for
effortless usage even for first-time users.
Along with this feature, the preformed
easy-fit cuff provides users with easy cuff
application while providing accurate and
anxiety-free blood pressure measurement.
It is also designed to detect movement
errors and irregular heartbeat to minimise
the misreading of measurement values.
The Omron Blood Pressure Monitor
HEM-7320 gives users a more assured blood
pressure measurement at home.

With the Omron Ultra

Premium Blood
Pressure Monitor
HEM-7320, you can
take accurate and
reliable blood
pressure
measurements in the
comfort of your home.
You can check out Omrons value
promotion for weighing scales and body
composition monitors when you purchase
the Omron Blood Pressure Monitor from
October onwards.

n For more information, visit

www.omronhealthcare.com.my.

Norway-sourced,
concentrated and
pollutant free
DUE to increasing consumer awareness
about the health risk-associated with
high-fat and high-cholesterol foods as well
as products high in sugar and salt, Opceden
is responding to the rapidly growing
demand for pure and highly concentrated
omega-3 by providing an added nutritional
formulation on healthy ageing throughout
life.
As a result, Opceden Omega-3 Fish Oil
TG 500/200 fish oils are now available.
The marine omega-3 essential fatty acids
offer health benefits. Marine sources of
omega-3 are particularly important
because omega-3 fish oil comprises
polyunsaturated, essential fatty acids that
cannot be synthesised by the human body
and must be obtained from food or
supplements.
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA
(docosahexaenoic acid) are the two key
essential fatty acids in omega-3.
Studies have shown that EPA and
DHA are important for proper health
maintenance and immune function.
EPA and DHA may affect many aspects
of body functions.
Opeceden Omega-3 Fish Oil TG 500/200 is
in the triglyceride (TG) form. Most fish oil
supplements in the market are available in
ethyl ester form or TG form.
Structurally, the major difference
between the two forms is that in ethyl
ester, the fatty acids (EPA and DHA) are
esterified to an ethanol backbone, while in
the TG form, the fatty acids are esterified to
a glycerol alcohol backbone.

MAL16055017N
Opeceden Omega-3 Fish Oil TG 500/200
provides omega-3 essential fatty acids in
the triglyceride form.
Typically, fats in most food sources are
found in their natural TG form. TGs are
generally associated with standard fish
body or fish liver oil.
These fats comprise three fatty acids
(such as omega-3 EPA and DHA) linked
to a molecule of glycerol.
Without glycerol, free fatty acids can
oxidise rapidly. Therefore, the glycerol
backbone helps to naturally stabilise the fat
molecules and prevent breakdown and
oxidation.
To digest fatty acids in our diet, we need
pancreatic lipase (enzyme). Studies have
found that lipase hydrolyses the TG form
10 to 50 times faster and ensures that
absorption into the body is optimised.

n Look out for the advertisement in this

StarSpecial.
KKLIU No.1818/2016

World Stroke Day 9

THE STAR, TUESDAY 25 OCTOBER 2016

GINTELL is celebrating its 20th

anniversary with a mega deal so
that everyone can enjoy their
shopping experience with
friends and family.
Gintell caters to all needs and
believes that everyone deserves
love and care.
Everyone needs time to relax
and be pampered to release
tensions of daily life.
In this modern society, people
tend to be busy with work and
neglect their health. If a human
body does not get enough rest,
how can it be equipped to fight
for the rest of its life? If your
body could speak, it would be
shouting in pain.
Bring quality to your life with
any of the packages available by
Gintell. The Gintell DWise
Wisdomatic massage chair is a
massage chair that serves all
needs.
Everyone will be amazed by
the pleasure and satisfaction that
the new Gintell DWise brings,
all within your comfort zone.
To satisfy everyones needs,
Gintell is introducing the 3D
Acupressure Roller through
Gintell DWise. This feature
allows the massage chair to
automatically adjust to your
body size.
Furthermore, the Ultra Chiro
Track will follow the curves of
your body to provide an
ergonomic precision massage
and comfort from neck to thighs.
This 95cm-long track will
provide continuous massage to
help you relieve backaches and
soothe sore muscles.
Plus, the 230 Royale Thai
Stretch will help to relieve stress
on the skeletal body, including
the spine.
This authentic Thai massage is
created with numerous
stretching techniques for tired
bodies after a hard day. With the
Gintell combo deal, enjoy a
Gintell DWise upgrade rebate of
up to RM5,000.
The Gintell DWise Care
massage chair has a unique
butterfly massage technique,
which provides more comfort
and gives a full-body massage
experience.
This helps with prolonged
stress and exhaustion.
It is by far the longest
massage-chair track available,
having an impressive extended
XV-Track length of more than
135cm.
This enables deeper reaches
and 48% more massage areas to
the neck, shoulders, back, waist,
hips and thighs, providing extra
comfort and relief.
The butterfly kneading
massage technique provides
a more natural and relaxed
massage technique, alleviating
sore muscles and back pain.
It relieves tenderness and

Celebrate good times

Twenty years
of experience
in building a
comprehensive
range of healthy
lifestyle products
has inspired
Gintell to build
a brand-new sofa
with a massage
function to cater
to peoples
needs.
enhances muscle elasticity
as well.
The DWise Care massage
chair has been infused with
the 3D Rotational Guasa
technology.
It targets the feet and toes,
providing relief similar to
results that can be obtained
from a traditional massage
therapist.
Gintell is offering a discount of
RM10,988 or RM305.22 monthly
for both the DWise Care
Butterfly massage chair and
DVano S FUNtastic Sofa.
Twenty years of experience in
building a comprehensive range
of healthy lifestyle products has
inspired Gintell to build a brandnew sofa with a massage
function to cater to peoples
needs.
Everyone can enjoy the
goodness of the combination of
all the therapeutic massage
techniques by using the
revolutionary Gintell DVano S
FUNtastic Sofa that combines an
outstanding massage experience
in a contemporary design that
perfectly complements your
home.
The 105cm V-Track FUNtastic
massage track follows the
contours of your body to reach
your back, lower back and hips
for a hand-like massage
experience to remove aches
and stress.
Unlike a typical massage
chair that uses fixed-position
heating, which often fails to
target the required spots, the 3D
Heating Massage Ball in DVano
S FUNtastic Sofa provides
targeted relief, which promotes
blood circulation and

The Gintell DWise

Wisdomatic massage
chair.

metabolism to help you eliminate

water retention and shoulder
aches.
The special butt-shaping and
pelvic-correction massage airbags
target your hip area to give you
firmer and more shapely
buttocks.
Get the combo deal for the
DVano S FUNtastic Sofa with the
G-Beetle Foot Massager for only
RM110 a month.
Visit the Gintell roadshow to
find out more on these attractive
deals. The roadshow will be held
at IOI City Mall, Putrajaya, from
Oct 18 to 30, Klang Parade, Klang,
from Oct 21 to 30 and Imago Mall,
Kota Kinabalu, from Oct 1 to 31.
Gintell wishes you and your
family health, love, life.

n For more information, visit

www.GINTELL.com or
call 1800 886 332.

Enjoy combo deals and rebates

on Gintells lifestyle products
in conjunction with its 20th
anniversary celebration.

10 World Stroke Day

FATS are responsible for weight
gain and artery clogging. It
provides 9kcal per gramme, which
is a lot more calorie-dense
compared to carbohydrates and
proteins.
Fat not used by body cells is
converted into body fat and,
over time, leads to obesity. Fats are
thought to be the main contributor
of the development of
cardiovascular diseases.
Fat is one of the macronutrients
needed from our diet. It is a great
source of energy to fight fatigue,
deliver fat-soluble vitamins,
manage moods and keep skin
healthy. It is also important for
eyesight and brain development.
There are two types of dietary
fats, which are bad and good fats.
Bad fats are saturated fatty acids
that typically appear in solid form
at room temperature.
They are abundant in animal
sources such as lard and poultry
skin.
Bad fats also include trans
fatty acids that are found in
processed food, margarine and
fried food.
Both saturated and trans fatty
acids consumed in excess can
contribute to health-related issues
such as high triglyceride and
cholesterol levels.
Good fats are the fatty acids that
have health benefits. Good fats
include polyunsaturated fatty acids
(PUFAs) and monounsaturated
fatty acids.
These fats typically appear in
liquid form at room temperature.
The two main groups of PUFAs
that are important to our health
are the omega-3 and omega-6
families.
Omega-3 fatty acids are also
known as essential fatty acids

THE STAR, TUESDAY 25 OCTOBER 2016

Omega-3 fatty acids are

beneficial for heart, eye and
brain health and protect
against cardiovascular
diseases.

Fight the fats

since they cannot be produced by
the body and must be obtained
from diet.
There are three major types of
omega-3 fatty acids, which are
-linolenic (ALA) acid that is
commonly found in plant oils,
eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and
docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
The best source of EPA and DHA
is oily fish. The intake of omega-3
fatty acids, particularly EPA and
DHA, is beneficial for heart, eye
and brain health.
The role of omega-3 fatty acids in
protecting against cardiovascular

diseases is well recognised. It has

anti-atherosclerotic and
anti-inflammatory properties that
protect against the progression of
atherosclerotic plaques, which
narrow the arteries.
An omega-3 fatty acids intake
of about 4g per day lowers serum
triglycerides by 25% to 30%.
In addition, omega-3 fatty acids
aid in reducing blood pressure,
one of the risk factors for
cardiovascular disease.
Based on a study conducted in
2012 by International Medical
University (IMU), the dietary

Wholesome
nutrition
HIGH cholesterol is a serious issue faced by
many Malaysians and one of the causes of
coronary heart disease, peripheral vascular
disease and stroke. According to the Health
Ministry, 47.7% of Malaysian adults suffer
from high cholesterol.
Although cholesterol is often portrayed as
something that is not good for you, it is
actually an essential component in our body.
Cholesterol is a waxy substance produced
by the liver. It plays a vital role in cell
function and is needed to synthesise vitamin
D, some hormones and bile for digestion.
External sources of cholesterol can be
found in foods that are derived from animals
such as meats, seafood, eggs and milk.
Cholesterol is classified into two categories
high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and
low-density lipoprotein (LDL). The latter is
often referred to as bad cholesterol because
too much of it is unhealthy. An increase in
LDL is known as high cholesterol.
Prevention is always better than cure.
Whole grains have the unique ability to
lower cholesterol levels before the onset of
any chronic diseases as they have the three
component layers that are rich in nutrients.
These layers are the bran, germ and
endosperm.
The bran layer has most of the grains
fibre and is rich in B vitamins, antioxidants,
phytonutrients, iron, zinc and magnesium.
Endosperm, the middle region of the
grain, contains most of the carbohydrate
and some protein of the grain.
The germ, or the inner core, is rich in
antioxidants, vitamin E, B vitamins and
healthy oils.
Whole grains are food sources that are
high in dietary fibre. Studies show that a
diet high in fibre can be beneficial in
lowering high cholesterol, help manage
weight, ease constipation, maintain a

levels of omega-3 fatty acids were

found to be very low among the
Malaysian population.
The intake of omega-3 fatty
acids was reported to range from
0.22% to 0.28% of total energy
intake, which is below the
Malaysian recommended range
of 0.3% to 1.2%.
Hence, we should include more
omega-3-rich foods such as oily
fish, walnuts, plant oils and
seaweed in our daily diet.
The American Heart
Association suggests consuming
fish at least twice weekly and

including oils rich in -linolenic

acid in your diet.
For those with coronary heart
disease, 1g of EPA and DHA per
day is recommended.
Supplementation is suggested
for those who are unable to fulfil
their daily omega-3
recommendation.
This article is brought to you by
BiO-LiFE Marketing Sdn Bhd.

n For more information,

call 03-7882 8888 (Monday to

Friday, 8am to 5pm).

Virtual support
> FROM PAGE 6

Guardian Mixed Grains & Oats 30+ contains

oat bran, brown rice, barley and chia seeds to
provide a nutritious meal.
healthy digestive system and stabilise blood
sugar levels.
In addition to this, beta-glucan a type of
fibre found in grains can help reduce blood
cholesterol levels and stabilise blood sugar
levels.
Whole grains such as brown rice and chia
seeds contain nutrient-rich bran and germ
layers as well as natural plant-based
nutrients needed to regulate cholesterol
levels.
Barley and oat bran powder, on the other
hand, are power foods that help lower
cholesterol as they are rich in beta-glucan.
Guardian Mixed Grains & Oats 30+ is
enriched with brown rice, barley and chia
seeds to provide adequate amounts of
beta-glucan, dietary fibre and plant-based
nutrients.

n This article is brought to you by your

partner in health, Guardian Health and
Beauty Sdn Bhd.

Machines such as the MIT-Manus, for

example, requires the patient to brace his
lower arm and wrist to the robotic arm,
then carry out the simple exercises
instructed on the screen.
The machine guides the affected arm as
needed, and if patients are unable to
conduct certain movements independently,
MIT-Manus prompts the movement.
Today, advances in human-machine
interface and virtual reality systems
enhance robotic-assisted therapy.
Brain-computer interface controlled
therapy, which is used together with
functional electrical stimulation, picks
up brain signals through an
electroencephalogram cap worn by the
patient.
These signals are translated into intended
movements and the patient can then control
different outputs whether
on screen or through the electrical
stimulation mechanism.
This sort of therapy has
been lauded for its ability
to reestablish pre-stroke
communication
between the brain
and body, which is a
precursor for
successful
rehabilitation.
Immersive
virtual reality
takes this one
step further with
inventions such
as MindMazes
MindMotionPRO
(pic), which
uses motioncapture sensors
to produce
real-time
mapping of the
patients avatar on

multiple viewing screens.

Patients are placed in a virtual reality
where they can watch and control
themselves performing actions that they
were able to execute effortlessly before
the stroke, learning new ways to carry out
activities such as reaching, lifting and
walking.
Throughout this process, neurological
activity is recorded along with its
correlation to movement performance to
monitor progress as well as enhance
individual sessions to optimise patients
recovery.
The usage of computer graphics also
allows games and mini activities to be
incorporated in therapy sessions, making
them less daunting and more fun to
encourage patient involvement.

World Stroke Day 11

THE STAR, TUESDAY 25 OCTOBER 2016

WITH fast treatment and the right

rehabilitation, stroke survivors can
live a fairly healthy life.

Leong Yee Khiam

On Feb 19 this year, Leong Yee
Khiam was wheeled into the
National Stroke Association of
Malaysia (Nasam), Petaling Jaya, for
the first day of therapy by his wife
and business partner.
It was four weeks after his stroke
due to a brain aneurysm and it
affected the mobility on his left side.
His rehabilitation programme at
Nasam consisted of 12 one-on-one
sessions, three times a week.
After six sessions into the third
week, he was able to stand and
walk independently. This
achievement came six weeks after
his stroke.
On April 1, he joined the
advanced group for daily
rehabilitation and on April 3, Leong
bravely ventured into the shallow
end of the kids swimming pool. He
tried to float but balancing was an
issue.
Leong was healthy and exercised
regularly as he loved sports. He
comes from a family with a history
of high blood pressure. He was
taking medication but irregularly.
We were shocked when he had the
stroke. When the neurosurgeon told
me his condition was very bad, I
didnt know what to think or what
to ask, says Poh Chan, Leongs
caregiver.
It is a great relief now that he is
recovering well from the stroke and
happily getting back to what he
used to enjoy before. Generally, he
is a cheerful, jovial and flamboyant
gentleman. Much of his good nature
has returned as he continues to
work hard at recovery, she adds.
Leong now spends four hours
every week in a swimming pool.
According to Leong, getting into the
water gives him a power boost.
The natural buoyancy of water
allows a person with weak muscles
on one side of the body to stand and
walk with much less effort than on

Life after stroke

by the pool.
Now that his swimming has
picked up pace, he is getting back
into the swing of golf and hopes to
start tennis soon.

Lai Seng

dry land.
Working out is more fun when
you are splashing around. Its so
relaxing that you dont notice how
hard you are working, says Leong.
Leongs twice-a-week routine in
the water consists of walking and
jogging, which he does in a forward
and backward direction as well as a
few laps of breast stroke.
After that, he enjoys a welldeserved cup of coffee while resting

Lai Seng is no stranger to having

a good time in the pool. As a child
growing up by a river in Teluk
Sisek, Kuantan, Lais main sports
activity was swimming.
He fondly remembers the fun
long hours spent diving into the
water with his childhood buddies.
On Jan 20 this year, his left leg
felt odd when he was busy
working. He called his family and
was taken to a hospital.
He was diagnosed with a right
haemorrhagic stroke with a
weakness on the left side.
There was no surgery and he
was discharged after two days of
monitoring and conservative
treatment.
My initial reaction was that I
could not give up on life. All that
ran through my mind was I had to
find a way to recover. Moreover,
since I was able to move my hands
and legs, I considered myself
blessed with a second chance at
life.
My main issue after the stroke
was balance and coordination.
Due to this weakness I did not
think I could swim, but I was
pleasantly surprised when I went
into the pool during Nasams
hydrotherapy session. My body
just took over and, with the help of
my therapists, I was able to swim,
says Lai.
Just seven weeks after his
stroke, Lai returned to his
favourite sport. He practises
swimming once a month during
Nasams hydrotherapy session
but his goal is to swim for one

a stroke on the left side of the

brain will affect the left side of the
body. However, if it happens on
both sides of the brain, it will leave
someone in a locked-in state.
Stroke is treatable and if
treatment is given fast enough, you
may be able to save a persons life
and prevent long-term disability.
The easiest method to identify if
someone is having a stroke is to go
through a series of steps known as
FAST, which stands for face, arms,
speech and time.
Here is a detailed explanation of
FAST and how to identify the signs
of someone having a stroke:
Face Ask the person to smile.
Check if the affected individuals

face droops or find it difficult to

smile.
Arms Ask the person to lift
both arms in unison. Identify if the
person is struggling to lift one or
both arms. You may also notice
one arm drifting downwards.
Speech Using a simple phrase
and ask the individual to repeat it.
Pay attention to the way they speak
and check if it sounds strange.
Time If the first three signs
indicate a face droop, arm
weakness and difficulty in
speaking, immediately call for an
ambulance. The faster you get the
individual to a hospital for
treatment, the better the recovery
outcome.

Leong has a new lease on life

thanks to rehabilitation.

Working out
is more fun when
you are splashing
around. Its so
relaxing that
you dont notice
how hard you are
working.
Leong Yee Khiam

Lai Seng enjoys

his hydrotherapy
sessions.

Fast and meticulous

SEEING someone having a stroke
can be scary but sometimes it may
be subtle and unnoticeable. This is
when a person may approach you
to tell you that he or she is feeling
a little strange and weak. It is
important for bystanders to
recognise signs of a stroke as swift
action can save a life.
When a person is having a
stroke, he or she will exhibit
tell-tale signs of mobility, muscle
and cognitive weakening.
When a stroke occurs, it usually
affects muscles along the left
and/or the right side of the body.
If the stroke is happening on the
left side of the brain, the right side
of the body will be affected while

Lai Seng is undergoing

rehabilitation through swimming.
hour a week.
I like this sport as it enables
me to move all my limbs
effortlessly and it is less tiring
than exercising on land. It is

also a lot more cooling and

provides a good cardio workout.
Since I began swimming, my
hand and leg coordination as
well as gait, which was affected
by the stroke, have improved
tremendously.
The water therapy helped me
reduce my dependency on a
walking aid. It has also increased
my stamina and now I am able
to finish my regular walk of
almost 500m with less effort,
says Lai.
Lai encourages stroke
survivors to keep themselves
motivated through recovery by
finding a sport that they enjoy
and incorporating it into their
rehabilitation.
Find a sport you enjoy and
you can practise regularly. Start
slow and gradually increase your
sessions. Never give up and stay
positive. Case studies
courtesy of Nasam.

12 World Stroke Day

ACCORDING to the National Stroke
Association of Malaysia, stroke is
the third largest cause of death
among Malaysians.
It is a clinical syndrome or sign
of global loss of cerebral function
caused by a blocked blood vessel or
a blood vessel that is experiencing
a haemorrhage.
Symptoms include functional
limb weakness, numbness,
difficulty speaking, affected
memory and loss of higher mental
function. In severe cases, stroke
can lead to the loss of mobility and
muscle function.
Besides physical disability, stroke
presents a host of psychological,
behavioural and emotional
disorders such as disturbance of
sleep, anxiety disorder, depression,
denial and even erectile
dysfunction.
Stroke can be divided into two
types ischaemic stroke, which
occurs as a result of obstruction
within a blood vessel supplying
blood to the brain, and
haemorrhagic stroke, which occurs
when a weakened blood vessel in
the brain ruptures.

Cause and effect

Age is a significant nonmodifiable factor in the incidence
of stroke. Men who are 55 years
old and above and women aged 65
and above are at a higher risk of
getting a stroke.
However, modifiable factors
contribute to higher incidences of
stroke especially among younger
individuals.
High blood pressure due to
hypertension is the largest
contributing factor of stroke
among Malaysians while patients
with diabetes have two to five
times higher chance of getting a

THE STAR, TUESDAY 25 OCTOBER 2016

Quick action is crucial

stroke in their lifetime, says
Dr Mooi Chin Leong, neurologist
from Mahkota Medical Centre,
Malacca.
Other modifiable factors for
stroke include cardiovascular
disease, diabetes, obesity, lack of
exercise, and excessive smoking,
alcohol and salt intake.
The key to reducing morbidity
and mortality in a stroke is to act
fast. Hence, it is important for
people to recognise the symptoms
of a stroke when it is happening so
that they can seek immediate
medical attention, he adds.
One of the typical signs of a
stroke is sudden numbness of the
face and limbs. This is followed by
confusion and difficulty in
speaking or seeing.
Individuals who are having a
stroke may also experience
difficulty walking, loss of
coordination and a combination of
severe headache and vomiting.
Stroke diagnosis differs on a
case-to-case basis. After going
through a patients medical history,
a neurologist will prescribe a
diagnostic brain scan such as a
computerised tomography or a
magnetic resonance imaging scan.
Images produced from these
scans will be able to confirm if a
patient has experienced an
ischaemic or haemorrhagic stroke.
A blood test is also conducted to
identify the prothrombotic state or
coagulation in the blood, says
Dr Mooi.
As cardiovascular disease
is a risk factor for stroke,

Dr Mooi Chin Leong.

cardiovascular diagnostics such as
an electrocardiogram is used to
identify any abnormality in the
heart.

Time is key
Treatment for stroke patients
depends on the type and severity
of the stroke. The most important
aspect is to make necessary
lifestyle modifications once the
patient has been discharged from
the hospital.
Stroke patients should consume
a diet low in sugar and salt as well
as completely quit smoking and
alcohol consumption.
In terms of physical
rehabilitation, stroke patients are
required to undergo multiple
sessions of physiotherapy, speech
therapy and occupational health
therapy.
Lifestyle modifications and

therapy can be challenging but the

right encouragement from friends
and family can go a long way on a
patients road to recovery.
It is important to give patients
milestones during their recovery
period so that they are motivated
to recover without giving up, says
Dr Mooi.
Oral medication may also be
prescribed to patients. In
addition, surgery may
be considered if the
patients condition
is life-threatening.
It is crucial to
treat stroke
patients
rapidly to
minimise
physical
disability

and avoid mortality.

About 70 to 80% of stroke cases
can be treated if patients come to
us early. In Malaysia, stroke
symptoms tend to become severe
due to delay in treatment. Time is
of importance and rapid treatment
provides better recovery
outcomes, says
Dr Mooi.

n For more information,

call 06-285 2999.