World Stroke Day was marked

On October 29th, 2014, physicians, nurses and technicians from the Neurology Clinic of the University Hospital Clinical Centre Banja Luka in cooperation with the Association of Neurologists of the Republic of Srpska and with the support of the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare of the Republic of Srpska marked World Stroke Day by providing the costless measurement of blood pressure as well as costless measurement of blood sugar levels for all interested citizens at the Krajina Square in Banjaluka.

Raising the consciousness of the citizens and keeping them informed about the significance of regular examinations and measurement of blood pressure, blood sugar levels and levels of lipids in blood, as well as modification of life habits can significantly reduce the risk of stroke.
Stroke is the second leading cause of death around the world, as well as one of the causes of disability. In the Republic of Srpska there are 4500 newly diagnosed stroke patients. The aim of this action is to draw the attention of the citizens to the fact that good prevention, pointing out the risk factors and timely ultrasound examination of blood vessels of the neck and head can reduce the possibility of having a stroke to a great extent.

The best known risk factors which are modifiable and which are associated with lifestyle are: smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, unhealthy diet, stress, physical inactivity and obesity. Some of the diseases that represent risk factors for stroke and that are modifiable are: hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, heart rhythm disorders, diabetes, hyperlipidaemia, significant carotid artery stenosis (neck arteries) and narrowing of the arteries of the head. Modification of these risk factors can significantly reduce the possibility of having a stroke.
The Neurology Clinic of the University Hospital Clinical Centre Banja Luka and the Association of Neurologists of the Republic of Srpska with the support of the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare of the Republic of Srpska have been marking World Stroke Day for the seventh year in a row by providing the costless examinations and by educating the citizens.