Free Blood Pressure Checks Available Across Cornwall This September

Throughout September, various locations across Cornwall are offering free blood pressure checks as part of Blood Pressure UK’s ‘Know Your Numbers! Week’ and a wider NHS South West drive. This effort aims to combat high blood pressure, which affects one in three adults in the UK and is a leading cause of premature death.

Why Get Your Blood Pressure Checked?

High blood pressure, often referred to as the ‘silent killer,’ typically shows no symptoms but can lead to severe health complications like heart attacks and strokes. Aisling Crombie, Director of Nursing for NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly, stressed the importance of these checks, stating they are part of a broader commitment to prevent future health issues.

Risk Factors for High Blood Pressure

It’s not always clear what causes high blood pressure, but the risk increases if you are:

• Overweight, or don’t eat enough fruit and vegetables
• Inactive, not doing enough exercise
• Consuming excessive alcohol
• Smoking
• Under stress
• Over 65 years old or have a relative with high blood pressure
• Of Black African or Black Caribbean descent

Who is Offering Free Checks?

Notable employers across Cornwall, including the National Trust, Rodda’s, Coastline Housing, and local police forces, are providing free blood pressure monitoring for their staff. The campaign also extends to local events and public spaces, with various health partners involved.

Where Can You Get Checked?

1. Local Pharmacies and GP Surgeries: People aged 40 or over can pop into local pharmacies for a free check or ask during routine GP visits.
2. Community Events: Free checks will be available at places like Callywith College in Bodmin, Camborne College, Brannel St Austell, and Newquay Orchard on specified dates in September.
3. Wellbeing Festivals: Locations such as Hayle Recreation Ground and Camborne’s Basset Centre will host events offering free checks.
4. Local Harbours: Targeted efforts at harbours like Newlyn, Mevagissey, and Looe aim to reach community members like fishermen.

Additional Resources

In a new initiative, blood pressure monitors are available for free borrowing from all county libraries. Ruth Goldstein, Assistant Director of Public Health, highlighted the ease of access to these checks and urged the public not to ignore high readings.

Lifestyle Changes and Support

Health experts recommend maintaining a healthy weight, eating well, engaging in regular physical activity, reducing alcohol intake, and not smoking to manage or reduce high blood pressure. Resources and support are available through Healthy Cornwall and Active Cornwall.

Long-term Health Strategies

The local health and care system, including businesses and the voluntary sector, is committed to providing ongoing support for blood pressure management as part of the Healthier Together campaign. More details can be found on the NHS England South West website.

Encouraging Early Checks

Friends and family are encouraged to support those over 40 to utilise the free checks available, ensuring early detection and management of high blood pressure, thereby preventing more severe health issues.

This September, take the opportunity to ‘Know Your Numbers’ and potentially save your life through a simple, quick check that could unveil crucial information about your health.