Croydon Council has teamed up with the Stroke Association and local pharmacies to offer free blood pressure checks to residents during Know Your Numbers Week!
On the spot checks will take place at venues around the borough next week (9-15 September), which aim to get people to know and understand their blood pressure levels and take action if their readings are high to prevent having a stroke or heart attack.
People who get their blood pressure checked in Croydon will receive information and advice on what they can do to keep blood pressure under control like losing weight, reducing salt intake, eating fruit and vegetables, drinking less alcohol and being more active.
You can find out where to get a free blood pressure check during the week at www.justbecroydon.org/kynw
Know Your Numbers Week! is the UK’s biggest free blood pressure testing event with organisations registering as a pressure station location on the Blood Pressure UK website.
One in three people in the UK live with high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. It is known as the silent killer as there are rarely noticeable symptoms when your blood pressure elevates and, if untreated, it can lead to strokes, heart attacks, heart failure, kidney disease and dementia.
“Supporting residents to improve their health and wellbeing, and reduce their risk of strokes and heart attacks, is a top priority for us. We want people to know their blood pressure numbers in the same way as their height and weight. A poor diet, excess salt intake and lack of exercise can lead to high blood pressure, but making simple lifestyle changes can be a life saver. ”
Councillor Jane Avis, cabinet member for families, health and social care
Blood pressure checks are also offered as part of the NHS Health Checks programme for people aged between 40 and 74.
Residents can visit Live Well advisors throughout the year at community health hubs for help to quit smoking, lose weight, reduce alcohol intake, be active and tackle other unhealthy behaviours. Anyone can make a start to improve their health and wellbeing by completing a five-minute MOT on the council’s health website at www.JustBeCroydon.org
