Port accessBilbao is the first port in Spain to join the fight against strokes
Within the framework of the conference on stroke prevention held at its facilities, the Port Authority of Bilbao has been awarded the Brain Caring People Company seal of recognition, for its work in the prevention and detection of this disease. The award is given by the Fundación Freno al Ictus (Spanish Foundation for Stroke Patients) to healthy organisations in which occupational risk prevention, a medical service and corporate social responsibility (CSR) are actively promoted, and which are aligned with the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This accolade is endorsed by the Spanish Society of Neurology and is further supported by the Spanish Association of Specialists in Occupational Medicine (AEEMT) and the Spanish Association of Occupational Health and Safety Services (AESPLA).
The award was presented to Alberto Ojanguren, Head of the Department of Health, Safety and the Environment of the Port Authority of Bilbao, by Julio Agredano, President of the Fundación Freno al Ictus. On receiving the award, Alberto Ojanguren highlighted “the effort and dedication of the professionals who work every day to look after the health and well-being of all those who form part of the family of the Port of Bilbao”. He also underlined “the importance of training those who work in the port to take the correct steps when dealing with a disease in which the reaction time is key to reducing mortality and the disability the disease causes”.
During the conference, and in the event of a colleague or family member suffering a stroke, particular emphasis was put on the importance of taking action to save lives and prevent sequelae, or later complications, by activating the “Stroke Code” protocol through the 112 emergency service. Julio Agredano commented on “the importance of this campaign due to its multiplying effect. The Port of Bilbao is the first port in Spain to join the fight to prevent strokes, and will lay the ground for other ports to follow its example. Between all of us, we will help spread the word throughout our society”.
Mr. Agredano also remarked that “according to the data available to us at the Foundation, 35% of strokes occur at working age, and the good news is that 90% of cases can be prevented. For this reason, we are proud to acknowledge the prevention and awareness-raising efforts that the Port of Bilbao has made, and continues to make, among its employees and in the surrounding area. Efforts which, through the multiplier effect of the campaign itself and the work of port employees and of local society, can help save many lives”.
The aim of the conference on stroke prevention, held in the Port of Bilbao, is to provide information and training on the risk factors and their prevention, the warning signs and the correct way to act to beat the clock and be of help to others, both in the workplace and at home. Information and training are key factors to prevent the impact of strokes on the people around us.
This conference brings to an end the health campaign, run throughout 2022 as part of the health promotion project Portu Osasuntsua, in relation to the early diagnosis of stroke by means of ultrasound. The campaign is supported by the programme to promote sport and healthy eating that has been ongoing since 2015 in the Port Authority of Bilbao.
About strokes
A stroke is a cerebrovascular disease that affects more than 120,000 people every year in Spain. Strokes are the number one cause of death in women, the second most common cause of death globally, and the primary cause of disability in adults. The good news is that 90% of cases are preventable. The immediate identification of these symptoms is crucial in the evolution of the patient, as it has been shown that in patients treated from the outset, mortality and disability generated by the consequences of the disease are reduced.
