STOP THIS SILENT KILLER IN ITS TRACKS
STOP the silent killer in its tracks, is the message from the Irish Heart Foundation as its new year- round national mobile health service rolls into Sligo.
The Mobile Health Unit, providing free blood pressure checks delivered by nurses to prevent stroke and heart attack in Ireland, will be in Sligo from Monday, April 10 until Thursday, April 13.
Marese Damery, Irish Heart Foundation Health Check Manager said it is a silent killer but is easily maintained through a healthy lifestyle:
“Silent and invisible, high blood pressure can seriously damage blood vessels and the heart if left unchecked. People with high blood pressure are three times more likely to have a stroke or heart attack compared to those with healthy or controlled blood pressure.
“The good news is that a simple blood pressure check can be all it takes to detect high blood pressure, which can then be effectively managed through lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy weight, being active and consuming less salt, fatty foods and alcohol.”
Those most at risk of high blood pressure are aged 45 years and over: 64 percent of the over 50s in Ireland have high blood pressure, while 41 percent of people living with high blood pressure are not taking adequate medication. High blood pressure can be detected even in younger people but the only way to know if you have high blood pressure is to get checked and the Irish Heart Foundation is recommending that people become aware of their blood pressure levels from their 30s.
Marese also encourages those who may already suffer from high blood pressure to get re- checked as the unit not only provides blood pressure checks, but the nurses on board can provide heart health information. The Irish Heart Foundation relies on public and corporate donations for 92 percent of its income.
The ground breaking service was launched last July and will be providing a year round service and has been made possible by the support of Bank of Ireland staff fund- raising the running costs. The drop in service is free of charge with a quick non- invasive procedure taking anywhere from 5- 10 minutes. If concerned about blood- pressure, you can talk to an Irish Heart Foundation Helpline nurse in confidence on Free phone: 1800 25 2 50.
The unit will be in St Anne’s Church carpark on Monday, April 10 between 12pm and 5pm.
On Tuesday morning April 11th it will be in Supervalu, Ballisodare from 9.00am – 1.00pm before moving on to Ballymote Family Resource Centre from 2.00- 5.00pm.
On Wednesday April 12th it will be in the West Sligo FRC, Enniscrone from 9.30pm – 1.00pm before moving to Easkey House, Easkey from 2.00- 5.00pm.
Finally the Unit will be in Quayside Shopping Centre from 9.00am – 4.00pm on Friday April 13.