IREFER to the letter “Stroke: Imminent public health burden” (NST, July 17). It is scary to know the increasing statistics, and how a healthy person suddenly finds that he is not able to do much anymore the next day.
To the public, stroke patients are a burden as it costs thousands of ringgit to rehabilitate them.
But from the view of a family member, I see this as a challenge to respond accordingly if a family member suddenly suffers a stroke.
The American Stroke Association website states the factors of strokes that can’t be changed and those that can be treated.
On those that can’t be changed, family history should remind the next generation to be ready with any possibilities of a stroke attack. Age is another factor. Those more than 55 years old must live a healthier life with less stress. In addition, women are more prone to strokes that kill than men.
On factors that can be changed, lifestyle is the major factor. Inactivity, smoking and bad diet can lead to strokes.
High-blood pressure is the most common reason.
But, all these can be treated if one has regular medical check-ups, diets and exercises.
With an understanding of some of the factors of strokes, family members must start to take care of themselves and each other.
Reminding one another on the level of blood pressure and its consequences can help reduce the risk of stroke.
For families which already have a stroke victim, each family member’s support is pivotal. It can be in the form of mental support, energy and in kind.
Take the challenge as a way to gain rewards from God if one aims to be a good son or daughter. The status of parents is clearly explained in many verses in the Quran.
It was narrated from Mu’awiyah Jahimah As-Sulami, that Jahimah came to the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and said, “O Messenger of Allah! I want to go out and fight (in Jihad) and I have come to ask your advice.”
He said, “Do you have a mother?” Jahimah said “yes”.
Muhammad responded, “Then stay with her, for Paradise is beneath her feet.”
This shows the importance of serving the parents among Muslims, and if it is done, the greatest reward of Jannah (paradise) is promised by God.
Dr Siti Suriani Othman,
Senior lecturer,
Faculty of Leadership and Management,
Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia