Free blood pressure checks available in pharmacies

The Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) are teaming up with RTÉ’s Operation Transformation to support National Blood Pressure Day 2024. The partnership will see many participating pharmacies offering once-off free blood pressure checks this Thursday, 18 January.

High blood pressure affects two out of three over 50s, but it is symptomless. Once detected, high blood pressure is one of the few conditions that can be successfully managed, but only if you know you have it. Following a quick, easy, and non-invasive blood pressure check, your community pharmacist can provide you with a detailed results card and any necessary health advice or referral.

Encouraging people to avail of the service Clare Fitzell, Head of Strategic Policy at the IPU, said: “Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a serious health problem in Ireland and many people are unaware that they suffer from it. Adults should take steps to inform themselves of their blood pressure levels. Those aged over 40 should have an annual check and under 40s should have a check at least every five years.”

Risks of allowing high blood pressure to go untreated include higher likelihood of developing a number of conditions, including: heart disease, stroke, dementia or problems with eyesight or kidneys.

“This year Irish pharmacies are delighted to partner with Operation Transformation to raise awareness of the risks of high blood pressure and to encourage people to take a few minutes to get checked.

“Thankfully, many people who have slightly raised blood pressure can successfully manage this through straightforward lifestyle changes. The key is knowing what your level is and taking appropriate action. However, experience tells us that some people who undergo this week’s tests will be advised to seek further medical attention. This is not something to be feared, as it’s far better to treat high blood pressure before complications arise than after.”

A list of participating pharmacies is available on the Operation Transformation website at: https://ot.rte.ie/events/national-bloodpressure-day/

(Pic: John Ahern) SOCIALISING IN FERMOY - Maeve O’Flynn, from Fermoy and her friend, Áine Gray, who were in Cheers Bar, Fermoy to ring in the new year recently.