This is done to draw attention to prevention issues and, importantly, to reduce various barriers to timely examinations and medical checks in healthcare institutions in Latvia. "The more we invest in prevention and early diagnosis, the more timely we can notice health risks and prevent the development of serious diseases. Therefore, we are establishing National Prevention Day and creating 'Prevention Stops' where healthcare professionals are closer to the people. A survey on society's health habits clearly shows that there is a significant gap between knowledge about health and actual preventive actions. But knowledge alone is not enough — a person needs both motivation and the opportunity to act simply and timely. Sometimes, just one conversation, measuring blood pressure, or a simple test is enough to notice a risk and take the first step towards one's health," said Zane Kaktina, Chairwoman of the Board of VCA and Centrālā laboratorija. ## Discussion: "The Gap in Prevention — A Choice of the Individual or Lack of Opportunities?" National Prevention Day kicks off tomorrow, September 9, in Riga with a relevant presentation of data from the latest survey on society's health habits and an expert discussion "The Gap in Prevention — A Choice of the Individual or Lack of Opportunities?" The discussion will take place from 10:00 to 11:30 in the MINOX conference hall at New Teika. Experts will jointly seek solutions on how to reduce the gap between knowledge and actual actions, make prevention more accessible across all age groups, shift the systemic focus from treating illness to timely health preservation, and transition from individual campaigns to regular prevention throughout life. Participants in the conversation will include: Zane Kaktina, Chairwoman of the Board of VCA and Centrālā laboratorija; Aris Kasparans, Director of the National Health Service; Ainis Dzalbs, President of the Latvian Association of Rural Family Doctors; Zane Melberga, President of the Latvian Pharmacists' Society; Kaspars Ciprus, Secretary General of the Latvian Basketball Union. Throughout SEPTEMBER, residents will have access to various free events with expert advice and activities to improve health prevention. Don’t miss the wide opportunities for check-ups!  ## FREE Health Checks in SEPTEMBER – Don’t Miss Out! **September 9** in Riga, at the square in New Teika by the fountain, from 10:00 to 16:00, visitors will have free access to express massages, taping, discussions with physiotherapists about prevention, and blood pressure measurements, while the youngest visitors will have a children's drawing corner. **September 12** from 9:00 to 13:00 at the Esplanade near the Rainis monument in the MyFitness GymDay 2026 health zone, there will be an opportunity to consult with a physiotherapist, receive taping and express massages, measure blood pressure, and conduct a test to assess glycated hemoglobin, while the youngest visitors will find an outdoor gym at the 'Prevention Stop'. **September 16** at the VCA DiaMed clinic from 9:00 to 19:00, various events will be available with prior registration (more information at www.veseliba.lv). The focus of this stop will be on heart and vascular health, as well as movement. Visitors will be able to measure blood pressure, consult with a physiotherapist, undergo simple functional tests, and participate in specially prepared physiotherapy sessions. **September 24** at the Domina Shopping center from 11:00 to 13:00, the 'Prevention Stop' will be dedicated to future and young families. Relaxing express shoulder massages and taping will be available, as well as opportunities to learn more about health and disease prevention during pregnancy and the postpartum period. ## Blood Pressure Measurement – Come at Your Convenience! Starting from September 9 and throughout the month, Mēness aptieka offers the opportunity to measure blood pressure for free. The working hours and addresses of Mēness aptieka where blood pressure can be measured for free can be found on the website: menessaptieka.lv/aptiekas. ## Consultations with DOCTORS and SPECIALISTS During the National Prevention Month, residents will have access to other preventive opportunities, including free consultations with doctors, blood pressure measurements, expert advice, and other events. Current information will be published on the website: www.veseliba.lv. **Note:** According to a survey*, less than half of residents report that they have visited a family doctor for preventive reasons or undergone other health checks, such as measuring blood sugar or cholesterol levels, in the past year. Latvia still has the highest rate of preventable mortality in the European Union (EU). Moreover, in terms of healthy life years and life expectancy, Latvia ranks among the EU countries with the lowest indicators**. At the same time, funding allocated for prevention is insufficient and volatile, significantly lagging behind the average level of OECD countries. * _A representative survey of residents of Latvia conducted in August 2026 by Mēness aptieka, VCA, and Centrālā laboratorija in collaboration with the research agency Norstat, surveying 1004 respondents._ * _[Statistics](https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php?title=Preventableandtreatablemortalitystatistics#Numberandrateofavoidabledeaths) Eurostat on preventable and treatable mortality.
