Unsplash
Published on: Aug 24, 2026, 5:25 am
STROKE remains the leading cause of inpatient admissions at the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC), with health officials warning that the condition is increasingly striking younger individuals due to unmanaged lifestyle risks
In an interview with Davao City Disaster Radio on August 19, 2026, SPMC Medical Officer III Dr. Rafael Nicholas Banga reported that the hospital recorded almost 2,000 admitted stroke inpatients in 2025, while outpatient neurology consultations reached around 2,000 patients during the same period
Banga cautioned against the common belief that stroke only afflicts the elderly, noting recent SPMC census data showing patients as young as 23 and 27 years old who developed the condition from high cholesterol, smoking, or drug use
Addressing widespread misconceptions, Banga warned against ignoring temporary symptoms, known as a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) or mini-stroke
“Dili ta magkumpyansa kay warning sign na siya sa full-blown na stroke later on (Let us not be complacent because that is already a warning sign of a full-blown stroke later on),” Banga said
He further advised against self-medicating — particularly with aspirin — waiting for symptoms to pass, or sleeping off a suspected stroke, clarifying that modern rehabilitation and clot-dissolving treatments can save lives if administered within the critical medical window
“Time is brain,” Banga emphasized, noting that stroke happens suddenly and requires immediate action. “Madala sayo after matagaan og tambal para sa blood clot, mauli-an. Vital ang oras to save lives (If brought in early and given medication for a blood clot, the patient can recover. Time is vital in saving lives),” the doctor said
Dr. Meldi Anuta, an internal medicine and neurology specialist, outlined the major health factors that trigger a stroke, identifying high blood pressure — defined as a 140 mmHg systolic or 90 mmHg diastolic reading — as the leading cause, alongside diabetes, heart conditions like irregular heartbeats, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, high cholesterol, severe stress, sleep deprivation, and substance abuse
She noted that while family history plays a role, controlling these risks drastically lowers the chances of brain damage or ruptured blood vessels, echoing the Stroke Society of the Philippines mantra: “The best way to avoid stroke is not to have one.”
“Ayaw kabalaka, kung pananglitan naay gibati, ayaw hulata nga maayo ang bation, adto dayon sa ospital, ayaw pag dugay-dugay (Don’t worry. If you experience any symptoms, don’t wait for them to get better on their own. Go to the hospital immediately—don’t delay),” Anuta advised
To catch risk factors early, the Davao City Health Office (CHO) provides free screening and community-level monitoring across local barangays.
CHO Non-Communicable Disease Medical Coordinator Dr. Vince Joseph Orpeza shared that health centers host dedicated cardiovascular disease days every Friday, offering free consultations, laboratory services, dietary counseling, and maintenance medication refills
Orpeza emphasized that community involvement is crucial to addressing the health condition, reminding the public that “ang (the) stroke prevention is a shared responsibility; tabangay gyud ta (let us help one another).”
Free maintenance medicines for post-stroke and diabetic patients are accessible through local Botika ng Bayan outlets, while SPMC offers outpatient neurology follow-ups and a specialized smoking cessation program for residents looking to eliminate key risk factors. GRS
Trending
Liverwort found in Davao del Sur
Sun Star Davao DigitalAug 22, 2026
City of Naga eyes 42-kilometer diversion road
Denise Mae P. Codis18 hours ago
LTO 7 suspends license of motorist in viral road altercation
Denise Mae P. CodisAug 22, 2026
Eala set for loaded US Open stint
Richiel S. Chavez17 hours ago
Just in
SPMC warns stroke strikes young, urges lifestyle changes
Sun Star Davao Digital4 minutes ago
15-year-old boy found dead at Hagnaya Port
Arnold Y. Bustamante33 minutes ago
Shooting threat prompts class suspension in Cebu school
April Blanche Cabañog38 minutes ago
DepEd postpones school safety drills
Third Anne Peralta-Malonzo3 hours ago
Branded Content
Congressman Duke Frasco unveils P50M Carmen Public Market
SunStar CebuJul 30, 2026
From humble beginnings to a stronger future: Celebrating 15 years of Sun Savings Bank
Sponsored ContentJul 23, 2026
ContactPoint360 opens doors to expanded recruitment hub, closes Pride Month with twin celebration in Cebu
Sponsored ContentJul 04, 2026
SM Malls in Cebu Build Excitement with Purpose
SunStar CebuJun 24, 2026
Videos
How Safe Are Our Schools?
SunStar Cebu21 hours ago
CEBU’S THEATER SCENE: WHERE STORIES COME ALIVE
SunStar Cebu21 hours ago
Real Stories of Hope through PhilHealth
SunStar CebuAug 20, 2026
CEBU’S POWER SUPPLY: CAN IT KEEP UP WITH DEMAND?
SunStar CebuAug 20, 2026
