Stroke Support Group Initiated in CMC Ludhiana

Ludhiana, October 31, 2013: Stroke or brain attack is the second leading cause of death in the world. One in six people will have stroke in their lifetime. In India alone, 4000 to 5000 strokes occur every day. The Stroke Unit of CMC has been observing World Stroke Week from 27th October.
On the World Stroke Day, the Stroke Team of CMC &Hospital, Ludhiana organised the stroke support group meeting. The team has been doing this for the past 2 years. There were about 50 patients and relatives who participated in the meeting. Dr. Jeyaraj D Pandian, Professor and Head of Neurology talked about the stroke warning symptoms and signs. Dr Yashpal Singh discussed about how to prevent stroke. He stressed that stroke is preventable if we control high blood pressure, high blood sugar and lead a healthy life style. Mrs Ruma Singh talked about the role diet in preventing stroke. Dr Cynthia Felix and Devan laid emphasis on the stroke rehabilitation. The physiotherapy students conveyed the message of early treatment of stroke through a role play.
Bansilal Surana and Jagpal Singh who were stroke survivors shared their life experience about stroke. They stressed that when someone has stroke symptoms they should rush to the stroke center immediately without wasting any time.
Shefali Chopra from Tata Motors Ludhiana talked about her experience of taking care of her mother with stroke. Chopra is representing India in drafting the Global Bill of Rights for stroke patients and relatives by the World Stroke Organisation (WSO).
Dr Jeyaraj D Pandian is the Chairman of the World Stroke Campaign which oversees the work. Shefali Chopra challenged the stroke patients and relatives to come forward to create a support group for stroke patients in Ludhiana. The highlight of the meeting was that a core group has been formed with the following members; Shefali Chopra, BansilalSurana, Jagroop Singh, Rajiv Arora and Ranjith Singh. The group will meet regularly and encourage more stroke patients and relatives to join. The Stroke Support Group’s objectives would be to give psychological help, health education and eventually to address the needs of stroke patients and relatives.
The team conducted a free camp in Malerkotla (Kaushar CMC Hospital). Many patients were screened for high blood pressure, diabetes and medical and dietary advice was given to them. The entire program was coordinated by Deepika Sharma, stroke physiotherapist. www.cityairnews.com

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