From 18th to 24th September, charity, Blood Pressure UK, will be running its award-winning flagship campaign, Know Your Numbers! Week – the UK’s largest blood pressure testing and awareness event which encourages people to have their blood pressure measured so that they can take the steps needed to maintain a healthy blood pressure and reduce their risk of debilitating strokes and heart attacks.
Last year, a record 443 pharmacists around the UK signed up to be ‘pressure stations’ during Know Your Numbers! Week and registration is now open for pharmacists and other healthcare providers to sign up for 2017.
The simple aim is to offer blood pressure tests and advice during the awareness week.
It’s estimated that one-in-three people (16 million people) in the UK are living with high blood pressure (the single biggest cause of death), and yet five million people remain undiagnosed.
Professor Graham MacGregor, Chairman of Blood Pressure UK, explained, ‘Blood pressure is one of the most preventable and treatable conditions and yet it is still one of the leading causes of death in the UK. Those from poorer backgrounds are worse off.
‘Having your blood pressure checked is one of the biggest steps that you can take to reduce your risk of stroke, heart attack or heart failure and yet so many millions are taking unnecessary risks with their health. The simple message is to have your blood pressure checked at least once a year.’
Registration to host a pressure station will close on 31st July.
For more information, email kyn@bloodpressureuk.org.
