Shoppers given free blood pressure advice (From Wharfedale Observer)

Shoppers given free blood pressure advice

12:00pm Friday 4th May 2012 in Local news By Jim Jack

Several people in Otley have been given an early high blood pressure warning thanks to a stroke awareness event.

About 60 shoppers, including MP Greg Mulholland (Lib Dem, Leeds North West), were given free blood pressure checks at Sainsbury's last Saturday.

The event was organised by the Rotary Club of Otley Chevin, in conjunction with Life Education Bradford, as part of the national Know Your Blood Pressure 2012 campaign, which is being backed by Rotary International, The Stroke Association and the Ambulance Service.

The Stroke Association says that at least 40 per cent of strokes could be prevented each year if people checked their blood pressure and, where necessary, took simple steps such as improving their diet and exercising more to control it.

Life Education Bradford is trying to ensure the number of stroke sufferers in future generations is reduced. Part of a national organisation dedicated to helping children make healthy choices, the group uses a mobile classroom – which Mr Mulholland was shown around at the event – to get its messages across.

Mr Mulholland said: “I am delighted to support Life Education Bradford and the Stroke Association in their important work.

“Stroke is the UK’s third-biggest killer, and it is vital that the message of events like National Blood Pressure Testing Day, and of groups like the Stroke Association, reaches as many people as possible.

“Life Education Bradford and the Stroke Association are to be commended for their work in promoting healthy living choices, and Otley Chevin Rotary Club is to be congratulated for organising this important event.”

Life Education Bradford’s chairman, David Henderson, said: “We were delighted that Greg visited us on Saturday during our Rotary Club blood pressure testing session, which we do each year in conjunction with the Stroke Association.

“Several of the visitors during the day were recommended to visit their GP on account of their level of blood pressure, and health guidance was given to all attending by our nurses in attendance, Margaret and Ruth.

“While there, I explained to Greg that we were using the mobile classroom to provide health and substance abuse education to primary school children, and that we were now having some success in getting to schools in Otley as part of our drive to widen the territory we serve.”

It is estimated that about 16 million people in the UK have high blood pressure, though about a third are unaware of it.