Henry Smith MP has urged people in Crawley to have their blood pressure checked, as part of Blood Pressure UK’s Know Your Numbers! Week, which takes place from 14th to 20th September 2015.
Henry said;
“I want to urge as many people as possible to drop in to either of the two Pressure Stations in Crawley to have a free blood pressure check.
“You can also visit your GP, or try home blood pressure monitoring. Many pharmacies also offer free blood pressure checks.
“I am pleased to support Blood Pressure UK – the only UK-wide charity dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of every adult knowing their blood pressure, and then taking steps to lower it.
“My thanks to the volunteers who will be running the Pressure Stations in Crawley and across the country.”
The Know Your Numbers! Week campaign is the UK’s biggest blood pressure testing event. In its 14th year, the aim is to highlight that in the time it takes to boil a kettle, you could have taken a blood pressure reading which might save your life.
Throughout Know Your Numbers! Week. Blood Pressure UK will have over 1,000 Pressure Stations across the country offering free blood pressure checks.
Two of these Pressure Stations will be in Crawley:
- Crawley Wellbeing
- Langley Green Community Centre, Stagelands, Langley Green, Crawley, West Sussex RH11 7PG
- Tuesday 15th September, 10:00 - 12:00
- Crawley Wellbeing
- Civic Hall, The Boulevard, Crawley, West Sussex RH10 1UZ
- Tuesday 15th September, 13:00 - 16:00
A survey from Blood Pressure UK has revealed that 33% of people have not had their blood pressure checked in the last year as they do not think it affects them. The independent survey of over 1,000 Britons also showed that out of those people who hadn’t had their blood pressure taken in the last year, a quarter do not consider it a health issue.
16 million people in the UK suffer from high blood pressure, which is the biggest risk factor for stroke and heart attacks, yet 63% did not know their blood pressure numbers.
Professor Graham MacGregor, Chairman of Blood Pressure UK, said;
“We wanted to find out what people were spending their time doing rather than spending time thinking about their health and checking their blood pressure. This year we are urging everyone to make every second count - it’s quick, free, painless, and could save your life.
“Over half of the estimated 16 million people in the UK living with high blood pressure are unaware they have the condition, as it is symptomless. The only way to ‘Know Your Numbers’ is to have a blood pressure test at one of our free Pressure Stations in your area, your GP, local pharmacy, or by using a home blood pressure monitor.”
Katharine Jenner, Chief Executive of Blood Pressure UK, added;
“It’s great that Henry Smith MP is supporting Know Your Numbers! Week 2015. With so much happening in our lives it is often difficult to find the time to prioritise our health, but a quick free check of your blood pressure could be all it takes to prevent more serious issues developing later for members of his constituency.
“We’re grateful to everyone who supports this campaign and want this year to be the busiest yet, so are urging everyone to stop by your local Pressure Station, GPs surgery, pharmacy, or by using a home blood pressure monitor.”
High blood pressure 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. Volunteers hosting the ‘Pressure Stations’ provide information and advice on simple steps to keep blood pressure under control.
External links:
Blood Pressure UK
Know Your Numbers! Week