ZAGREB, 8 Feb (Hina) - In Croatia, 12,000 people suffer a stroke each year, 30% of whom die as a result of its consequences, and therefore, it is important to strengthen the prevention of this disease, said doctor Zdravka Poljaković Skurić, on Friday during the official commemoration of Red Dress Day in Zagreb.
Croatia observes the first Friday in February as Red Dress Day - National Day of Combating Stroke in Women.
This day is observed in over 50 countries across the world to raise awareness of stroke in women.
For instance, in the USA the first Friday in February is National Wear Red Day. On this day, everyone across the country dons the colour red in order to raise and spread awareness in hopes to help eradicate heart disease and stroke in millions of women all over the nation.
The president of the Croatian Neurological Society, Dr. Poljaković Skurić, said that "according to statistics on stroke incidence in the EU, Croatia is not faring very well."
"We have nearly double the incidence rate, and unfortunately, a worse treatment outcome. Each year, approximately 12,000 people in Croatia suffer a stroke, and sadly, one-third, or about 30% of them, die as a result of the stroke. Both in prevention and treatment, we still have a lot of work to do," she added.
In Croatia, one in five women will suffer a stroke, but the encouraging fact is that the mortality rate from its consequences is decreasing, highlighted Lora Vidović, the envoy of the Mayor of Zagreb.
Health minister: Turnout to preventive check-ups is high, in some regions up to 70%
The Ministry of Health has recognised the importance of preventing this disease and introduced preventive health check-ups with family doctors.
"The response to preventive check-ups is high, in some regions reaching up to 70%, and our goal is for this to be the case across all of Croatia," Health Minister Irena Hrstić said at the ceremony.
A special fashion show was also held, featuring red dresses by Croatian designers, worn by women who have recovered from a stroke.
