Active Northumberland is joining up with Northumberland County Council Health Trainer Service to offer free blood pressure checks for local residents to help them keep track of their health. 
 

If you haven’t had your blood pressure checked in a while, why not pop along to one of the drop-in sessions at participating Active Northumberland sports centres. 
 

If your blood pressure does happen to be on the high side, the health trainer will be able to give you lots of helpful advice on the actions you can take to reach and maintain a healthy blood pressure. 
 

High blood pressure is a common condition, affecting more than 1 in 4 adults in the UK, however it is thought that around 7 million people in the UK are unaware that they have it. In most cases it can be reduced with simple changes to lifestyle, diet and exercise. 
 

Liz Morgan the executive director of public health for Northumberland said:  

“Often high blood pressure goes undiagnosed as it rarely has noticeable symptoms, but if left untreated it can increase your risk of developing some serious problems such as heart attacks, strokes and kidney disease. 
 

“Knowing your blood pressure is really important and can potentially save lives, so please take the time to look after yourself and call in at any of our pressure drop-in stations and have the simple check done. You don’t have to be an Active Northumberland member, the service is open to everyone.” 
 

Active Northumberland run a series of friendly and supportive classes that can assist people adopt a healthy and active lifestyle. These include the Exercise on Referral Scheme and the Momenta Weight Management Programme.
  

The Exercise on Referral Scheme works in partnership with local GP surgeries to encourage residents with specific health conditions to become more active. 
 

The Momenta Programme is a unique 12-week course which has been developed by experts in the fields of nutrition, physical activity and psychology, and is based on the latest scientific evidence. The programme helps participants with busy lives to set realistic lifestyle goals, enabling them to break the cycle of dieting and fad methods of weight loss. If you are interested in taking part, please email weightmanagement@activenorthumberland.org.uk 
 

The council Health Trainer Service can work with you to create a free personal health plan, developed over several sessions to help you achieve your goals. It can be contacted by emailing healthtrainers@northumberland.gov.uk or tel: 01670 623840. 
 

The blood pressure stations will be running at the Active Northumberland centres listed below. There is no need to book. 

Times and dates are  

Rothbury – Rothbury Pool and Gym, Silverton Lane, NE66 7RJ 
15 November, 9.30-12.30pm 

Alnwick - Willowburn Sports & Leisure Centre, Willowburn Avenue, NE66 2JH 
16 November, 1-4 pm   

Druridge Bay - Druridge Bay Fitness Centre, The Precinct, Hadson NE65 9YF  
16 November, 9-12pm 

Berwick - The Swan Centre, Northumberland Road, Berwick, TD15 2AS 
18 November, 9.30-12.30pm