HEALTH MATTERS
DR Mike Clark, clinical lead for health optimisation at NHS Eastern Cheshire CCG and GP partner at High Street Surgery, Macclesfield HIGH blood pressure usually has no symptoms, which is why is it often referred to as the silent killer.
The only accurate way to know you have a problem with your blood pressure is to get it checked.
High blood pressure increases your risk of a stroke or heart disease but it can be easily treated once it’s been diagnosed.
That’s why I’m encouraging ALL family members to get their blood pressure checked. This can be done with your own home monitor, through your local pharmacy or practice nurse, and by your GP.
Know Your Numbers! week is the nation’s largest blood pressure testing event and awareness week.
It is being held from Monday, September 10 to Sunday, September 16.
Many organisations in Cheshire have worked collaboratively to ensure there are ‘pressure stations’ across the county.
A list of the partners and pressure stations in your area can be found by visiting www.blood pressureuk.org and searching for ‘Know Your Numbers 2018.’
The aim of the Know Your Numbers! campaign is to make people aware of the risks of high blood pressure and encourage them to make positive lifestyle changes to reduce their blood pressure.
Having high blood pressure puts extra strain on your blood vessels, heart and other organs such as the brain, kidneys and eyes.
This increases your risk of having a heart attack, heart failure or a stroke, as well as developing heart and kidney disease.
High blood pressure can be prevented or reduced by eating a healthy diet, cutting down on salt intake and eating at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day.
Avoid smoking and keep to the recommended alcohol limit.
Being more active in your daily life is also good for reducing blood pressure.
If you’d like to get involved in Know Your Numbers! drop in at a time and location that’s convenient for you.
The test only takes a few minutes and will be carried out by a clinician.
If the test does indicate your blood pressure is consistently higher than the recommended level then the clinician will advise you on what to do.
The Know Your Numbers! campaign is run by Blood Pressure UK. If you would like to find out more information about the campaign visit the website www. bloodpressureuk.org. I’VE heard giving dark chocolate to dogs is dangerous. My Chihuahua loves the smell though, is a little bit of milk or white chocolate okay? CHOCOLATE contains theobromine that’s toxic to cats and dogs. The darker the chocolate, the higher the theobromine level and more serious the risk of poisoning. Although white chocolate has extremely low levels of theobromine, it can still be harmful, pets eating white and milk chocolate are still at risk of serious pancreatitis due to the high levels of fat and sugars in human chocolate. You can buy pet-safe ‘chocolate’, for an occasional treat. But dogs don’t have the same passion for chocolate we do.
It’s better to reward them with playtime, an indulgent walk where they get to sniff all their favourite spots, or quality time with you. And if you think your pet has eaten any amount of human chocolate, you should contact your vet for advice immediately, even if they don’t seem unwell. MY dog loves playing and exploring in the garden, sometimes for hours. I worry he may become dehydrated, but how do I know? YOUR dog should be fine to play without getting dehydrated, as healthy dogs selfregulate by drinking when thirsty. Make sure he has constant access to fresh water and shade in the garden. That said, he might be at risk of overheating in warm weather. Some dogs don’t know their own limits and will keep playing even though they’re really hot. Overheating can quickly lead to heatstroke, which can be deadly. If your dog is excessively panting or seems like they’re starting to flag, call a temporary halt on playtime before things get serious, by calling him inside to rest in a cool place until he’s looking bouncy again.