Date of Issue : 3 April 2013
World Health Day is celebrated on 7 April to mark the anniversary of the founding of WHO in 1948. Each year a theme is selected for World Health Day that highlights a priority area of public health concern in the world.
The post of San Marino issued a stamp dedicated to the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of deaths worldwide, though since the 1970s. Although cardiovascular disease usually affects older adults, the antecedents of cardiovascular disease, notably atherosclerosis, begin in early life, making primary prevention efforts necessary from childhood.
The heart is the main element of the stamp and it is therefore the only coloured image. Besides on the stamp an apple is seen the , symbol of health, a running man for physical activity and stethoscope to remind medical check-up. Without all these elements the heart risks to be shadowed. It is necessary to play a team game to fight against cardiovascular diseases. The philately of San Marino wants to underline again this concept issuing this new stamp.
The theme for World Health Day 2013 is high blood pressure.
About high blood pressure
High blood pressure – also known as raised blood pressure or hypertension – increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes and kidney failure. If left uncontrolled, high blood pressure can also cause blindness, irregularities of the heartbeat and heart failure. The risk of developing these complications is higher in the presence of other cardiovascular risk factors such as diabetes. One in three adults worldwide has high blood pressure. The proportion increases with age, from 1 in 10 people in their 20s and 30s to 5 in 10 people in their 50s. Prevalence of high blood pressure is highest in some low-income countries in Africa, with over 40% of adults in many African countries thought to be affected.
However, high blood pressure is both preventable and treatable. In some developed countries, prevention and treatment of the condition, together with other cardiovascular risk factors, has brought about a reduction in deaths from heart disease. The risk of developing high blood pressure can be reduced by:
- reducing salt intake;
- eating a balanced diet;
- avoiding harmful use of alcohol;
- taking regular physical activity;
- maintaining a healthy body weight; and
- avoiding tobacco use.
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