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Free blood pressure checks to combat stroke

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St Helens Council has teamed up with the Stroke Association and Rotary International to help people in the borough and beyond to take a moment and get their blood pressure tested.

The council’s Healthy Living Health Trainers and members of the Stroke Association will be offering free blood pressure tests in Church Square on 23 April – national Know Your Blood Pressure Day – to raise awareness of the link between high blood pressure or hypertension and stroke.

Simply look out for the Healthy Living Team’s gazebo and pop in anytime between 10:00am and 4:00pm – no appointment necessary.

St Helens Council’s Assistant Director of Public Health, Dympna Edwards, said: “People can often have high blood pressure without knowing. Sometimes known as the silent killer, it is now the fourth most common cause of death and disability in England and can lead to stroke, heart attack, heart failure, chronic kidney disease and dementia.

“We estimate that around 17,000 people in St Helens may have high blood pressure and aren’t aware, so freely accessible events like this are vital. We aim to test as many local people as possible, so they know their numbers (blood pressure scores), and to provide health and lifestyle advice. Where blood pressure levels are high, people will be referred to their GP for treatment. If you haven’t had your blood pressure checked recently then it
is a good time to get it checked. It is simple, quick and free.”

Help will also be given where high blood pressure is detected to manage and lower the condition through health advice, referral to alcohol and weight management or physical activity services and medication, as necessary.

Residents aged 40-74 also qualify for a free NHS Health Check at the event, which will take further measurements such as cholesterol, blood sugar, weight and height, to give a more detailed account of their current health.

Alternatively, you can book a free NHS Health Check by contacting the Healthy Living Team directly or ask at your own GP surgery. For more information, contact Healthy Living on 0300 300 0103.

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