Hugh Bayley MP is supporting free blood pressure checks
Hugh Bayley MP will visit Whitworth Chemists in Melrosegate to meet Blood Pressure UK Area Co-ordinator, Anita Murray, and Pharmacist Manager, Delia Aragon, to have his blood pressure taken.
Hugh Bayley is visiting the chemists as part of the national charity Blood Pressure UK campaign “Do you have lucky numbers?” which this year takes place between 16 and 22 September.
Whitworths Chemists is one of the over 1,000 official ‘Pressure Stations’ which are taking part in the nation’s biggest blood pressure testing event and over 200,000 people are expected to get their blood pressure checked across the UK. Many people do not have ‘lucky numbers’: A shocking 1 in 3 adults has high blood pressure and a third of them have no idea, as it has no symptoms. It is the UK’s biggest silent killer, responsible for 60% of strokes and 40% of heart attacks. High blood pressure is also a risk factor for kidney disease and dementia.
Hugh Bayley MP and Blood Pressure UK are urging local residents to know their blood pressure numbers in the same way they know their height and weight, the only way to find out is to have a free, quick and painless blood pressure check.
Hugh Bayley MP says:
“I encourage everyone to get their blood pressure checked. One in three adults has high blood pressure and of these, 5 million people are unaware they have the condition. Some of these people are at risk of developing heart disease and strokes. If people are aware of the problem they can take steps to lower their blood pressure by cutting down on salt, eating more fruit and vegetables, taking regular exercise, sticking to a healthy weight and reducing their alcohol intake.
“I am glad I have had my blood pressure checked today. The test is painless and it just a few minutes. I hope as many people as possible will drop in to one of the pressure stations to have a free check up. It is never too late to make changes to your diet and lifestyle, and this simple step could save your life.”
Professor Graham MacGregor, Chairman of Blood Pressure UK, says, “We are delighted Hugh Bayley MP is supporting Know Your Numbers! Week 2013. We are urging everyone to become more aware of this silent killer. From 16th to 22nd September, Blood Pressure UK is running the nation’s largest annual blood pressure testing and awareness event, offering free blood pressure checks across the UK in pharmacies, supermarkets, libraries, hospitals, GP surgeries, health clubs, leisure centres and even football grounds.
“High blood pressure is a dangerous condition when not managed properly and we hope everyone will take advantage of the free blood pressure checks in their area to lower their risk of having a stroke or a heart attack”.
ENDS
Hugh Bayley
York office: 01904 623713 / London office: 020 7219 6824