Abu Dhabi (Etihad)
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi conducted an initiative with the participation of a specialized team of stroke experts and caregivers from the hospital’s Neurological Institute, who visited labor housing complexes in Abu Dhabi Industrial City, to educate participants on how to recognize the signs of a stroke, which is a life-threatening medical emergency, through the phrase “BE FAST,” which summarizes the following symptoms: body balance (sudden loss of balance), eyes (blurred or double vision), and face (drowsiness of one side of the face), arm (weakness or numbness in one arm), speech (difficulty in pronunciation or understanding), and time (need to immediately contact emergency services).
The events witnessed the participation of more than 1,200 people, about 40 percent of whom underwent comprehensive health examinations, highlighting the importance of early detection and proactive management of chronic diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes, which are among the most prominent risk factors that cause stroke.
Dr. Syed Irtiza Hussain, Chairman of the Department of Neurology at the Neurological Institute at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, said: “Stroke is one of the leading causes of long-term disability around the world, yet it is one of the most preventable conditions. Early recognition of symptoms and seeking immediate medical care may make the difference between full recovery and permanent disability.”
He added: “Embodying the spirit of the year of society, this initiative reflects our continued commitment to enhancing awareness, prevention, and providing compassionate care for all. Awareness is the first step towards prevention, and through this campaign, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is proud of its pioneering role in delivering vital health knowledge to the groups most in need of it, in support of the country’s vision of building a cohesive, compassionate and healthy society.”
