Appointments with health

World Blood Donor Day was inaugurated in 2004 in honour of Karl Landsteiner, who discovered blood groups and was born on 14 June 1868. Each year it celebrates over 100 million donors around the world, and seeks to recruit more by influencing public opinion.

Instituted by the World Health Organization in 1988 as an encouragement to stop smoking for 24 hours, World No Tobacco Day has become a powerful tool for raising awareness of this habit's serious consequences. It's also an excellent incentive to give up for good.

When was the last time you had your blood pressure measured? You can do so on 17 May, when the International Hypertension Society will be disseminating information on the prevention of cardiovascular problems at measuring points all over Italy.

24 hours of events and initiatives devoted to the health of women of all ages. In memory of Rita Levi Montalcini, born 22.4.1909. In memoria di Rita Levi Montalcini, nata il 22 aprile 1909.

For the past 70 years, April 7th has been World Health Day: an important date for the international community to meet, plan actions and inform the public about the greatest challenge we face in the Third Millennium: our health.