WARRINGTON Borough Council is encouraging residents to get their blood pressure checked this ‘Know Your Numbers’ week, September 8 – 14.
Know Your Numbers Week takes place every September and aims to reach those who have high blood pressure and don’t know it, so they can get the treatment and support they need to bring it under control.
The theme this year is ‘looking for the missing millions’, as right now there are 5 million UK adults aged 18-64 that may have undiagnosed high blood pressure – increasing their risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease.
High blood pressure is known as the “silent killer” – no symptoms, just risk. But knowing your numbers gives you the power to act – whether that’s eating a healthy diet, eating less salt, being more active, or starting medication if needed.
It is estimated that 1 in 3 people in Warrington have undiagnosed high blood pressure. So, this September, as part of Know Your Numbers Week, you can get checked at several different locations across the borough for free.
Residents can attend the following sessions:
Monday 8 September
Bank Park House, Kendrick Street, WA1 1UZ 9am – 2pm
Orford Jubilee Neighbourhood Hub, Jubilee Way, Warrington WA2 8HE – 12am – 5pm
Tuesday 9 September
The Living Well Bus at Holy Trinity Church, Market Gate, Sankey St, Warrington WA1 1XG – 10.30am – 4pm
Greenwood Community Centre, Meteor Crescent, WA2 0DU, UK 10am – 12pmWednesday 10 September
Warrington Hospital, Lovely Lane, WA5 1QG – 9-12pm
Dallam Primary School, Boulting, WA5 0JG 12.30pm – 3pmThursday 11 September
Living Well Hub, 26 – 30 Horsemarket Street, WA1 1XL – 9am – 12pm
Westy Children’s Centre, Tinsley Street, WA4 1PW – 9am – 10.30amFriday 12 September
Little Stars Children’s Centre, Boulting Avenue, WA5 0HA – 9am – 10.30am
Knowing your numbers means you can begin making healthy lifestyle changes or start taking medicines if needed to bring your blood pressure down to a healthy level.
You can also buy a variety of low-cost monitors from around £20 from a pharmacy or online, so you can test your blood pressure at home or while you’re out and about.
Checks can be carried out at most pharmacies, and at your local GP surgery as part of an NHS health check (offered to adults aged 40-74 years).
Cabinet member for health, wellbeing and social care, Cllr Maureen McLaughlin, said: “Knowing Your Numbers is really important. I would encourage all residents but particularly those who are over 40 to pop along to one of our many drop- in events taking place in September to find get your blood pressure checked.
“It’s also a good idea to invest in a blood pressure monitor that you can use at home to keep on top of your numbers.”
To find out more about Know Your Numbers week visit the Blood pressure UK website and to find out more about the condition visit the NHS website.
