Free blood pressure checks available this week at Pyramids Shopping Centre

Free blood pressure checks will be offered to Pyramids Shopping Centre visitors tomorrow, as part of the world’s largest free, public blood pressure screening.

This Friday, people on a day out at the Birkenhead shopping centre will be able to have their blood pressure checked – outside Boots Opticians, next to the food court – as well as receive tips, help and advice on achieving and maintaining a healthy lifestyle from 10am to 4pm.

The Wirral Public Health team will be in town to raise awareness about elevated blood pressure in time for World Hypertension Day, which takes place annually on 17 May. This month is also known around the globe as May Measurement Month, a campaign founded in 2017 by the International Society of Hypertension, with the aim of increasing access to blood pressure screenings.

Derek Millar, commercial director at Pyramids Shopping Centre, said: “We are really pleased to once again be supporting this life-saving campaign. It’s great that we can help raise awareness in the community, as this is a condition that can go quietly undetected but is very treatable in its early stages. We encourage people to stop by on the day.

“The checks only take a minute and visitors will also be find out fantastic information on what a healthy reading looks like and how to keep an active lifestyle,” added Derek.

Rebecca Mellor, Wirral Council Public Health Manager, said: “Untreated high blood pressure usually gives no warning symptoms, so is often called the ‘invisible killer’ and is the biggest cause of heart attack and stroke worldwide.

“We know that approximately 1 in 3 Wirral residents have high blood pressure, but don’t know it, so we want every adult on the Wirral to get their blood pressure checked regularly and become as familiar with their blood pressure numbers as they are with their height, weight and PIN numbers.

“Blood pressure can be raised for lots of reasons, often temporarily, but should never be ignored and further tests with a pharmacist, practice nurse or GP are always advised,” Rebecca continued. “Being diagnosed with high blood pressure needn’t be scary either, as it can usually be easily reduced and controlled, through making healthy lifestyle changes and/or by taking regular medication, which as well as reducing blood pressure, also reduces the risk of having a heart attack and stroke.

“It’s never been easier to get your blood pressure checked regularly because as well as GP surgeries, most pharmacies have blood pressure monitors now,” she added.

Free blood pressure checks and health advice will be offered to Pyramids Shopping Centre visitors on Friday 17 May outside Boots Opticians and the food court from 10am to 4pm.

To learn more about May Measurement Month, please visit www.maymeasure.com and for further information on blood pressure, head to www.bloodpressureuk.org.