Reasons why stroke cases are increasing

According to Okafor;, who is a senior lecturer at the Department of Physiotherapy, University of Lagos, Akoka:
"A lot of people, both young and old, now come down with stroke due to poverty, lack of quality healthcare and awareness.
"We are not creating enough awareness for people to know that hypertension and diabetes, causes of stroke, are killer diseases.
He also identified poor environment, industrialisation, poor habits and attitudes as factors contributing to a lot of people not exercising regularly.
"Our environment does not encourage people to cultivate the habit of exercising.
"As a physiotherapist, when I see the elderly during clinics, I always advise them to be physically active and engage in daily walks.
"However, when you look at the environment, it does not encourage exercise, and so a lot of the elderly in the society are discouraged to walk.
"Also, habit is a challenge; many people are unable to practise, because we are in a society where, over the years, people have become lazy.
"Due to industrialisation and urbanisation, it is now difficult for people to exercise, and rather depend on buses and taxis to take them to different locations.

Okafor encourages people especially Nigerians to be engaging in physical activity to reduce their chances of developing stroke.
"Exercise and being active is key to improved health; adequate sleep of eight to 10 hours daily is also advisable for the elderly people.
"Also, they should check their blood pressures and blood sugar regularly to prevent hypertension and diabetes.
"If they have problems, they should see a doctor who will refer them appropriately. "