World Heart Day, observed on 29 September, was marked by preventive measures including blood pressure and blood sugar checks in the Dubrovnik-Neretva County.
Nurses from the local health centre organised the action across two locations, with students from the second year of the Dubrovnik Medical School also taking part in the implementation.
Residents were attended to by nurses Mia, Laura, Irena, Katarina, Ankica and Klavdija outside the main building of the health centre. At the same time, nurses Marija Magdalina, Tamara and Ines were stationed outside the health centre in Mokošica. The action allowed residents to check basic health indicators on the spot.
In Đurđevac, World Heart Day and the International Day of Older Persons were marked outside the town market. Residents were able to measure their blood pressure, blood sugar, body weight, waist circumference and ABI index. In addition to measurements, activities promoting physical activity and healthy living were organised, with residents having the opportunity to take part in practical first aid exercises on mannequins.
The action was supported by the mayor of Đurđevac, Hrvoje Janči, who highlighted the importance of preventive measures and the public's response, having checked his own health indicators. He stated that his aim was to ensure adequate healthcare for all residents, noting that the model of a building extension for the health centre, similar to that in Križevci, would be implemented. He also stated that his goal was to ensure a sufficient number of general practitioners.
The director of the health centre in Koprivnica, Željka Frk, stated that the aim of the gathering was to remind residents that care for the heart does not begin only when health problems arise. She recalled the importance of regular check-ups, noting that mobile ambulances are available where the ABI index can be measured, which assesses peripheral circulation and helps in the early detection of potential heart conditions. She added that the action was also held in Koprivnica and Križevci.
The activity was organised by the Institute of Public Health of the Koprivnica-Križevci County in cooperation with the health centre in Koprivnica-Križevci, the General Hospital Dr. Tomislav Bardek in Koprivnica, the Institute of Emergency Medicine in the Koprivnica-Križevci County, the Heart Association of the Koprivnica-Križevski County 'Heart', the associations of the Croatian Institute of Pensioners in Koprivnica, Križevci and Đurđevac, the Croatian Red Cross in Koprivnica, Križevci and Đurđevac, the Home for the Elderly and Infirm in Koprivnica, and the Secondary School in Koprivnica.
