Free blood pressure checks in Spalding

Description:

Free blood pressure checks and professional advice that could help people recognise the early signs of a stroke will be available at Springfields Outlet Shopping and Festival Gardens in Spalding on Saturday, April 18.

Thanks to the Rotary Organisation in Spalding and the Stroke Association, visitors can take advantage of the free checks at Springfields between 10am-3pm on April 18 as part of the Rotary's annual "Know Your Blood Pressure" day.

The aim of the day is to test any members of the public who wish to know if they may be at risk, not those people already having treatment for high blood pressure.

The event is staffed by a doctor and other health professionals, including a number of local nurses who give up their free time to help.

It is hoped that shoppers will take the opportunity to take time out from shopping to think about this aspect of their health and take a free blood pressure test, which only takes a few minutes.

When a person's blood pressure is raised they are advised to see their GP and are given lifestyle advice. High blood pressure can usually be treated effectively and the treatment considerably lowers the risk of stroke and heart disease.

Stroke is the third biggest killer in England and the single largest cause of adult disability. Every year an estimated 150,000 people in the U.K. suffer a stroke, and about 67,000 of these die, with many living with the severe disabilities which can occur.

Public awareness and recognition of the main signs of stroke are very low and a new Department of Health campaign was recently launched that uses the acronym FAST to educate people on the signs of stroke.

FAST stands for:
Facial weakness - can the person smile? Has their mouth or eye drooped?
Arm weakness - can the person raise both arms?
Speech problems - can the person speak clearly and understand what you say?
Time to call 999. The campaign aims to encourage members of the public to spot these signs and to call 999 immediately.

Tracy Turnell, communications manager at Springfields said, "We are really pleased to welcome back the Rotary Club, especially as they are helping to provide such a vital yet simple service.

"With something like stroke is it important to recognise the signs as early as possible before it is too late.

"In past years the event has helped to raise awareness of stroke and we are sure this year will be no different, especially as it ties in with the government's national stroke awareness campaign."

For further information about the stroke and The Stroke Association please visit www.stroke.org.uk.

For further information about Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland visit www.rotary-ribi.org.