East Riding residents can get a free blood pressure check at various locations as part of Know your Numbers Week, which runs from Monday, September 2, to Sunday, September 8.
The annual campaign is led by Blood Pressure UK and aims to encourage people to get their blood pressure checked and seek support and advice about how lifestyle changes can reduce high blood pressure.
Blood Pressure UK campaigns for every adult to know their blood pressure numbers in the same way they know their height and weight.
East Riding Leisure Centres are running blood pressure clinics in Bridlington, Hornsea, Driffield, Beverley, Haltemprice, Withernsea, Francis Scaife, Goole and South Holderness.
East Riding Libraries offer blood pressure monitors for residents to borrow for a two-week period, to monitor their blood pressure at home.
Residents can also have a blood pressure check at local community pharmacies, GP surgeries and a new health check machine is available at Morrisons in Bridlington.
Councillor Jonathan Owen, cabinet member for public health said: “This year’s theme is – you have the power to successfully manage your blood pressure, but only if you know your numbers. I’d encourage residents to take up the opportunities at our leisure centres and via libraries and Know your Numbers.
“I had my blood pressure checked a few years ago, which led to me making some lifestyle changes, from which I’ve seen and felt a real benefit.”
Andy Kingdom, director of public health at East Riding Council, said: “About a quarter of the population has high blood pressure, and blood pressure tends to get higher as people get older.
“The good news is that there is a simple blood pressure check that people can do, and if someone’s blood pressure is higher than it should be there are ways to reduce it.
“Lifestyle changes such as healthier eating, physical activity and in some cases prescribed medication can all decrease blood pressure, and in turn reduce chances of long-term conditions like diabetes, heart disease and stroke.
“Normal blood pressure is usually considered to be between 90/60 mmHg and 120/80 mmHg. For over-80s, because it’s normal for arteries to get stiffer as we get older, the ideal blood pressure is under 150/90 mmHg (or 145/85 mmHg at home).
“For those where blood pressure is higher than it should be, there is support on hand to make lifestyle changes through East Riding’s free Healthier Futures programme.”
In our region, free blood pressure clinics will run at Hornsea Leisure Centre on Tuesday, September 3, from 10am to 4pm; Withernsea Leisure Centre on Thursday, September 5, from 10am to 4pm, and at South Holderness on Friday, September 6, from noon to 4pm.
The NHS YOURHealth team will be at Bridlington Harbour on Monday, September 2, offering blood pressure checks to residents and local fishermen and women.
In addition, Xyla – commissioned through East Riding Council – will be working in partnership with the Active Communities team and will be joining the Walking for Health groups during Know your Numbers week.
Find out more about Xyla’s Healthier Futures programme at healthier-futures.co.uk or call 0330 236 9102.
