Shoppers offered blood pressure checks (From Wharfedale Observer)
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Shoppers offered blood pressure checks
2:50pm Friday 20th April 2012 in Local news By Newsdesk
Free blood pressure checks will be offered to shoppers in Otley next weekend.
The event, organised by the Rotary Club of Otley Chevin, will take place at the town’s Sainsbury’s supermarket between 10am and 3.30pm on Saturday, April 28.
It is part of a nationwide health campaign, Know Your Blood Pressure, being run by Rotary clubs across the UK in partnership with The Stroke Association and the Ambulance Service – with nurses carrying out the tests.
High blood pressure is a major cause of strokes. The Rotary Club of Otley Chevin has been holding the free test days for several years now and president Rod Cam says it has helped a number of people spot a potential problem and seek early help from their GP.
He said: “Over the years, nationally, this event may have prevented thousands of people from having a stroke.
“It may be quite worrying to discover you could be at risk of a stroke, but once it is highlighted, it’s possible to make changes which will reduce that risk.
“The team will welcome any query, and help you find out how strokes can be prevented through simple lifestyle choices. Regular exercise, healthy eating and giving up smoking can all help to regulate blood pressure.”
About 16 million people in the UK are believed to have high blood pressure, but about a third of them are unaware. The Stroke Association says at least 40 per cent of strokes could be prevented each year if people checked their blood pressure regularly and took steps to control it.
The association’s Rachel Seyler said: “You can keep your blood pressure under control by making a few healthy lifestyle changes. For example, eating a balanced diet low in saturated fat, exercising regularly and cutting your salt intake will go a long way. Knowing your blood pressure is the vital first step and I strongly urge everyone to go and get theirs checked.”
For details, call 0303 3033100, or visit stroke.org.uk/kybp.
