The Punjabi film industry has been mourning the untimely loss of Jaswinder Bhalla, who passed away after reportedly suffering a brain stroke today morning. According to BBC Punjabi, the actor-comedian had been admitted to Fortis Hospital in Mohali, as confirmed by his close friend Bal Mukand Sharma. The doctors also claimed that Bhalla had lost a lot of blood despite ongoing treatment, and he breathed his last at 4 amThe Carry On Jatta actor was 65 at the time of his death, and is survived by his wife, Parmdeep Bhalla, his son and actor Pukhraj Bhalla, and daughter Ashpreet Kaur, who lives in Norway.“Today, the pair of Bhalla and Bala has broken. We lived together, studied and then worked together since 1977. His passing is a huge loss for me personally and for the Punjabi film industry,” reminisced his old friend, who was seen together with Bhalla in the comedy series ‘Chhankata’.Bhalla’s death raises concerns over increasing brain disorders in the current healthscape and demands a thorough look into lifestyle and wellness habits.What can lead to a brain stroke?According to Dr Gaurish Kenkre, general manager and head of Atharv Ability–Neuro Rehabilitation Centre, Mumbai, unhealthy lifestyles, marked by sedentary habits, poor dietary choices and elevated stress levels, have become prevalent today. “Additionally, risk factors like obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes are increasingly common in people. Substance abuse, including both illegal and prescription drugs, further elevates the risk of brain stroke,” he told indianexpress.com.Dr Kenkre noted that there are two types of strokes — haemorrhagic and ischemic strokes. “Haemorrhagic strokes may require surgical intervention to control bleeding, while ischemic strokes may be treated with medications like tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) or mechanical thrombectomy to restore blood flow,” he said.Identifying signsThe signs and symptoms of a brain stroke vary in different individuals. “Common signs include sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the face, arm or leg, difficulty in speaking or understanding speech, severe headaches with no known cause, loss of balance or coordination, sudden vision problems, and dizziness or confusion,” Dr Kenkre explained.Story continues below this adIn the event of a stroke, remember the acronym FAST to identify the symptoms to be able to get the right treatment at the right time:F: Facial droopingA: Arm weaknessS: Speech difficulty andT: Time (to call for medical assistance)Early recognition of brain stroke symptoms is vital for prompt medical intervention. Jaswinder Bhalla and Sunil Grover (Source: Instagram/@jaswinderbhalla)Treatment and rehabilitationTime is of the essence in treating brain strokes. Immediate medical attention minimises brain damage and improves outcomes. “Time is crucial as one needs to act in the golden period of 4.5 hours from the onset of the symptoms and reach a stroke-ready centre with a CT scan and a physician/neurologist. Treatment received within the golden period can help avoid life loss and disability,” he said.Story continues below this adDr Jeyaraj Pandian, President, Indian Stroke Association (ISA), Vice-President, World Stroke Organization, shared some key strategies to prevent and minimise the chances of getting a stroke:Treat hypertensionThe number one risk factor for stroke is hypertension. High blood pressure can damage blood vessels, causing them to narrow, leak or rupture. Regularly monitoring and managing high blood pressure is necessary to prevent a brain stroke.Manage diabetesHigh blood sugar levels can cause damage to the blood vessels over a long period of time. This could lead to the formation of clots, thus increasing the likelihood of a stroke. Hence, ensuring optimal blood sugar levels is an essential aspect of preventing stroke for those suffering from diabetes.Eat healthyEnsuring a healthy diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables is a highly effective practice for preventing stroke. A well-balanced diet with foods that are low in sodium, saturated fats and trans fats, and high in fibre can help lower high cholesterol and high blood pressure, which are both known to increase the risk of stroke.Story continues below this adExercise frequentlyStaying physically active and exercising regularly does wonders for both your physical as well as your mental health. Additionally, regular exercise can help one lose weight, manage blood pressure, and lower cholesterol levels, thus reducing the chance of having a stroke.Avoid smokingSmoking can increase the risk of stroke as it thickens the blood and leads to a higher risk of clots. Thus, quitting smoking can help reduce the risk of stroke significantly.DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.