‘Helmet Pehna Kya?’: Fortis Mumbai’s Brain Health Campaign

On 22 July 2025, the occasion of World Brain Day 2025, Fortis Hospitals Mumbai launched a citywide awareness campaign titled ‘Helmet Pehna Kya?’. This was an attempt to spread awareness regarding the importance of brain health and proactive care. More than fifty volunteers walk the streets of Mumbai wearing helmets.

They emphasised an important point: your brain should be protected every day, not just in the event of an accident. Fortis Hospitals Mumbai challenged the common belief that brain safety is only related to trauma from accidents by introducing the helmet as a symbol of physical protection in routine, low-risk, or no-risk situations. Instead, the campaign redefined helmets as a representation of regular checkups, mental wellness, early detection, and lifestyle changes. The initiative aims to remind people that brain health is a daily priority, not just an emergency concern.

As per the source, across India, neurological disorders are becoming an everyday reality for more and more families. Over the past three decades, cases of conditions like Stroke, Epilepsy, Migraine, and Dementia have more than doubled. Today, these account for almost 10% of the nation’s overall disease burden; Stroke alone took the lives of nearly 7 lakh people in 2019. High blood pressure, poor diet choices, rising pollution levels, and chronic mental strain are the triggers for these diseases. A comprehensive study led by the India State-Level Disease Burden Initiative—supported by ICMR, PHFI, IHME, and the Ministry of Health—highlighted these trends and published the findings in The Lancet Global Health. The campaign seeks to be a wake-up call for people about brain health, which is said to be far more fragile than we realise.

Talking about the initiative, Dr S Narayani, Business Head - Fortis Hospitals, Maharashtra, said, “At Fortis, our mission goes beyond treating illness; we aim to prevent it through education and awareness. The helmet is a powerful choice for the campaign as it reminds us that just as we protect our heads from injury on the roads, we must also protect our brain through awareness, timely action, and healthy choices. For us, preventative healthcare is the foundation of a healthy society, and through this campaign, we hope to engage the community and empower them to take proactive steps towards better brain health.”

At all four units—Mulund, Kalyan, Vashi, and Mahim—Patient Care Services staff wore helmets within hospital premises, sparking conversations with patients and their families about the importance of brain health. Community sessions hosted at open spaces helped Neurologists share insights on recognising early warning signs and stressed the value of timely care. The reactions and real-time moments were shared across Fortis Mumbai’s social media pages.

“When it comes to brain health, lifestyle plays a very important role and should not be overlooked. One particular acronym that tells my patients to look out for is termed SHAAADOWSSS, which stands for Smoking, Hypertension, Age over 60 years, Alcohol Abuse, Atrial fibrillation, Diabetes, Obesity, Wellspring (family history), Stress, Sedentary Lifestyle and Sleep Disorders. True to its name, these conditions follow you around like a shadow, and if left unmanaged, they significantly increase your risk of developing issues like Stroke. The good news is simple, conscious changes in your daily routine can drastically lower that risk and protect your brain for the long run,” said Dr Ashok Hande, Director - NeuroSurgery, Fortis Hiranandani Hospital, Vashi, while talking about the role lifestyle awareness plays in brain health preservation.

Dr Sreelakshmi N., Consultant-Neurology, S.L. Raheja Hospital, Mahim, said, “Everything you experience flows from the brain. Yet, your brain remains the body’s most sensitive organ. Issues like Stroke can appear suddenly, while conditions such as Dementia may develop gradually and quietly. That’s why paying attention to even subtle changes matters. Don’t ignore the signs your body may be giving you. Acting early can change outcomes.”

Highlighting the role of family history, Dr Gurneet Singh Sawhney, Director-Stereotaxy and Functional Neurosciences, Fortis Hospital, Mulund, said, “Family history plays a crucial role when managing disease burden. If someone in the patient’s family has had ailments like Dementia, Stroke, etc., then one’s chances of developing neurological complications may be higher. That makes it even more critical to be aware of the warning signs, get regular health check-ups, and adopt a healthy lifestyle to reduce your risk.”

Dr Rushabh Chheda, Consultant, Neurosurgery and Stroke Intervention Specialist, Fortis Hospital Kalyan, said, “Brain health is too important to take chances with. Any warning sign you observe should be taken as a medical emergency, not a wait-and-watch situation. There is a common saying in Neurology which says – time is brain – thus the quicker you act, the more brain function can be saved, and every minute counts when it comes to protecting your brain and your life, so emphasise preserving what matters most.”

The campaign aimed to raise awareness that protecting your brain is not just about reacting to emergencies; it’s about living more mindfully every single day, encouraging public prevention efforts, and ensuring better access to neurological care.

The campaign can be viewed on social media platforms:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/mOLKbydGWIo
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DMaPesOIhVo/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7353400192223625218
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/174VZTgq7W/