Free blood pressure checks available this week at Pyramids Shopping Centre
NHS Health Check to raise awareness about hypertension
NHS Health Check will be offering free blood pressure checks to Pyramids Shopping Centre visitors this week, as part of two international health campaigns.
On Tuesday 15 May, people on a day out at the Birkenhead shopping centre will be able to have their blood pressure checked – outside Next and Boots Opticians – as well as receive tips, help and advice on achieving and maintaining a healthy lifestyle from 10am to 4pm.
The NHS Health Check 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 last year by the International Society of Hypertension, with the aim to increase access to blood pressure screenings.
“We are really pleased to welcome NHS Health Check back to the centre, as when the team members were here last winter, they did encounter a couple of shoppers who had potential cause for concern,” said Derek Millar, the shopping centre’s director. “Visitors can empower themselves by knowing what a healthy reading looks like, so this is a great opportunity to come down and get checked out, as it’s really quick and easy.”
Sharon Fadden, NHS Health Check & Public Health Nurse for Wirral Council, said: “We are urging all Wirral residents to get their blood pressure checked on a regular basis so that they ‘Know Their Numbers’.
“Hypertension or high blood pressure is often called ‘the silent killer’ because it usually causes no warning symptoms, whilst causing underlying damage to the cardiovascular system, which in turn causes heart attacks and strokes.
“However, getting a quick and simple blood pressure check regularly, means that the problem is discovered and treated before damage is done, reducing the danger of strokes and heart attacks,” Sharon continued. “There are 1 in 3 people on the Wirral who have high blood pressure, but don’t know they do, so come down to the Pyramids Shopping Centre in Birkenhead on Tuesday 15 May and get yours checked. It could save your life!”
Free blood pressure checks and health advice will be offered to Pyramids Shopping Centre visitors on Tuesday 15 May outside Next and Boots Opticians from 10am to 4pm.
For further information about blood pressure, please visit http://www.bloodpressureuk.org