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The World Obesity Day! Eight Billion Reasons to Act.

      Today, on World Obesity Day, we are reminded that there are Eight Billion Reasons to Act. Eight billion people in the world — and each life matters. There was a time I believed that when someone was overweight, it simply meant they were enjoying life. But I now understand that obesity is not about appearance. It is a chronic disease that increases the risk of hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and stroke. Across the globe, obesity is rising at an alarming rate. It affects adults, young people, and even children. Excess body weight strains the heart, damages blood vessels, raises blood pressure, and significantly increases the risk of stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. This is why we must act. We must advocate for healthier food systems, promote physical activity in our communities, strengthen prevention programs, and ensure access to early screening and care. And we must do this without stigma — because support, not shame, saves lives. Eight billion reason...

Support John’s Recovery: From Silence to Strength

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Greetings Introduction: In the journey of life, unexpected challenges often arise, and it is our collective responsibility to extend a helping hand to those in need. Today, I bring to your attention the story of John Onyezere, a courageous young man whose life was abruptly altered by a stroke at the tender age of 15. Now, at 18, he continues to endure the repercussions of this life-altering event due to financial constraints hindering his access to proper medical care, rehabilitation, and basic necessities. The Story of John:  Imagine being robbed of the ability to communicate, to express your thoughts and feelings freely. This is the reality that John faces every single day. His voice, once vibrant and filled with youthful enthusiasm, was silenced by the stroke that struck him down in his adolescence. Despite his unwavering determination, John's journey towards recovery has been fraught with obstacles, primarily due to financial limitations. The Urgent Need:  John's struggle ...

Lived experience of cardiovascular disease (CVD), Nigeria

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Stroke: My Survival Story   My journey with CVD / Stroke began 19 years ago—not with me, but with my eldest brother, who had a stroke in London. Sadly, he died after experiencing a second stroke. At that time, I did not understand much about stroke, but that loss still stayed with me. In 2012, I was just 33 years old when I had my own stroke. Back then, I used to drink heavily and smoke cigarettes.   My stroke left me unable to speak (aphasia), move, or walk. Recovery was not immediate—it took me two and a half years to realize that healing is a long and costly process . Every single day, I take my medication, eat nutritious food—especially fruits and vegetables—and exercise just to stay alive. I've learned how expensive and emotionally draining it can be to rebuild your life from scratch . In 2016, my mother suffered a stroke. She had been living with diabetes  and the stroke came as a devastating blow to our family.Today marks a special mom...

From Isolation to Advocacy: A Stroke Survivor’s Journey to Hope and Support

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I never imagined that a single moment could change my life forever. As a stroke survivor, I faced not only the physical challenges of recovery but also the emotional weight of isolation and uncertainty. It wasn’t just about healing—it was about finding hope, love, and care when it felt like none existed. Waking up to a new reality, where my body no longer moved as it once did, was terrifying. The simplest tasks became overwhelming battles, and every day felt like an uphill struggle. The loneliness was just as paralyzing as the stroke itself. I felt trapped in my own body, disconnected from the world I once knew. But in the midst of despair, I discovered something powerful—resilience. I found strength in the kindness of those who refused to let me walk this path alone. Through the support of loved ones, caregivers, and fellow survivors, I realized that recovery was not just about regaining movement; it was about reclaiming life. Hope, love, and care became my pillars. They reminded m...