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FREE blood pressure testing for local
residents in Wirral as part of Know Your Numbers! Week
LOCAL residents are urged to get their
blood pressure checked for free, as part of Know Your Numbers! Week; the UK's
biggest free blood pressure testing event, running this year, from 18 September
to 24 September 2017.
45,0001 people in Wirral have high blood pressure but aren't aware. High blood
pressure has no obvious symptoms, but it is linked to at least 50% of all strokes
and heart attacks and increases the risk of kidney disease and dementia. The aim
of Know Your Numbers! week is to identify people with undiagnosed high blood
pressure. Without knowing their numbers, many people are unable to take those
vital steps towards a healthier life.
Free blood pressure checks are being offered at:-
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Wednesday, 13 September 2017, Birkenhead Market (10am to 4pm)
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Thursday, 14 September 2017, The Lauries, Birkenhead (9am to 12pm)
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Tuesday, 19 September 2017, The Cherry Tree Centre, Wallasey (9.30am to 4.30pm)
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Tuesday, 19 September 2017, St Catherine's Health Centre (main foyer 12 to 1.30pm)
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Thursday, 21 September 2017, St Catherine's Health Centre (main foyer 12 to 1.30pm)
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Friday, 13 October 2017, The Pyramids, Birkenhead (time tbc)
Many pharmacies across Wirral provide information and advice on simple steps to
keep blood pressure under control and will measure your blood pressure
accurately. You can also have a free blood pressure check in your GP surgery or
use a home testing kit. A blood pressure check is quick, free, painless and
could save your life.
This year, Blood Pressure UK cautions that a poor diet and excess salt intake is
leading more young people to develop high blood pressure putting them at risk of
having an early stroke. People of all ages can reduce their risk of stroke and
other illnesses by 'knowing your numbers' just like you know your height and
weight.
Figures show the proportion of strokes in working age people (those aged 25 to
64) has increased despite an overall drop in the number of strokes. Blood
Pressure UK is urging people, regardless of age, to check their blood pressure
as part of Know Your Numbers! Week.
Key risk factors for developing high blood pressure are largely
lifestyle related such as eating too much salt, not enough fruit and vegetables,
being overweight and not taking enough exercise.
Blood pressure can be lowered through lifestyle changes and if necessary taking
medication as directed by your doctor.
Cllr Chris Jones, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health, Wirral
Council says:- "The message to people is to take charge of their health and get
their blood pressure checked. Blood pressure is 1 of the most preventable and
treatable conditions but remains 1 of the leading causes of death. As an
individual having your blood pressure checked is the most important step that
you can take to reduce your risk of stroke, heart attack or heart failure."
Shefalee Loth, Nutritionist at Blood Pressure UK says:- "Over the last few
years, we have seen an increase in younger patients with high blood pressure,
often as a result of too much salt and poor diet. If you start making small
changes to your lifestyle when you are young, such as eating less salt, more
fruit and vegetable, taking more exercise and keeping to a healthy weight, you
will stay healthier and prevent strokes and heart disease."
To find your nearest pressure station
online.
For further information on:- 'Blood Pressure UK' and 'Know Your Numbers! Week,'
you can also go
online.
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