‘Know your numbers’, say local health chiefs
Are you a risk taker? You are if you don’t know your blood pressure numbers.
Members of the public are being encouraged to get their blood pressure checked during the national blood pressure awareness week – Know Your Numbers (12-18 September 2016).
This year people are being encouraged to ‘Know Your Numbers!, Know Your Risks!’ by getting their blood pressure checked either at one of the Blood Pressure UK Pressure Stations during the week, via a community pharmacy or practice nurse or via self-care at home (blood pressure monitoring at home).
High blood pressure has no symptoms – that’s why it’s called the ‘silent killer’, so the only way to know if you are at risk from a stroke or heart disease is to have a blood pressure check. We’re asking people not to take unnecessary risks: now’s the time to Know Your Numbers!, Know Your Risks! A simple blood pressure test will tell you if your blood pressure is normal, high or low.
Dr David Kelly, local GP and Chair of NHS North Kirklees Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) said: “High blood pressure is one of the largest causes of premature death and disability due to the potentially fatal strokes, heart attacks, heart failure or even kidney failure it causes.
“However, it is largely preventable – the first step is a quick, simple and painless test.”
From mid-August you will be able to find a blood pressure check near you. Pop along to a local Pressure Station to have your blood pressure tested and get advice about how to keep healthy, for free.
