Free blood pressure checks on offer

ROTARIANS are teaming up with the Stroke Association to offer free blood pressure checks in Hinckley.

Members of the Rotary Club of Hinckley Ambion will be hosting the sessions in the Britannia Centre, off Castle Street, on Saturday April 22 from 10am until 2pm.

According to the Stroke Association, high blood pressure causes more than half of all strokes but it is a risk factor that can be reduced.

The charity estimates that more than 7million people in the UK could have high blood pressure without knowing it.

Simple checks like the ones offered in Hinckley can tell someone if they have a problem and give them a chance to do something about it.

Keith Smith from the Rotary Club of Hinckley Ambion said: “Rotary is proud to work with the Stroke Association delivering blood pressure checking events throughout the year.

“Strokes strike every five minutes in the UK, but with events like these, we hope to change this.

“A blood pressure test is quick and painless and it could save your life.”

Alexis Wieroniey from the Stroke Association, said: “There are over nine and a half million people in the UK with high blood pressure and seven million remain undiagnosed.

“It only takes a moment to check your blood pressure and maintaining a healthy blood pressure is one of the most important things you can do to reduce your risk of a stroke.”

According to the Stroke Assocition, more than 100,000 strokes - brain attacks - occur in the UK each year, leaving more than 1.2 million people in the UK currenlty living with the after-effects.

Further blood pressure checks will be offered at community events throughout the year.

To find ones coming up visit www.stroke.org.uk/kybp