Postal stamp released to mark World Stroke Day

The postal department released a new stamp was on the occasion of World Stroke Day, on Monday.

Justice M N Venkatachaliah, former Chief Justice of India, and Dr Charles Lobo, chief postmaster general of Karnataka circle, released the stamp.

BR Life SSNMC hospital and BRAINS Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Stroke Management unveiled the centre of excellence along with an online platform where one can check the level of risk of developing stroke in their lifetime.

According to doctors, stroke is one of the leading causes of disability and the third most common cause of death in India. About 18 to 21 million people are affected by stroke in India per year.

Stroke is no longer considered to affect only the older generation. Due to blood vessel abnormality, genetic abnormality or lifestyle factors, there is a rise in the occurrence of the condition among the younger generation between the age group of 25-30 years also.

Dr N K Venkataramana, chief neurosurgeon, BR Life SSNMC hospital and BRAINS Centre of Excellence, said: “Stroke is a preventable condition. Therefore, it is important to identify the risk factors. The first three hours during the stroke, known as the golden hour, is an important period, and patients within this hour should be given better treatment to avoid long-term problems."

Dr Ranjan Shetty, consultant cardiologist, Manipal Hospital said: "Awareness is the key to identify patients and help them get the immediate medical attention they need.”