Free blood pressure checks in Northumberland
27 Aug 2024
Northumberland County Council’s Health Trainer Service is offering free blood pressure checks to local residents during ‘Know Your Numbers! Week’ 2024.
Every September, blood pressure checks are taken by thousands to prevent heart attacks and strokes. Know Your Numbers! Week reaches those who have high blood pressure and don’t know it, so they can get the treatment and support they need to bring it under control.
Residents who haven't had their blood pressure checked in a while, are encouraged to pop along to one of the drop-in sessions taking place:
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Monday 2nd September, 10am-12 noon - Wooler United Reformed Church, 20 Cheviot Street, Wooler NE71 6LW
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Wednesday 4th September:
- 12 noon-3pm - Asda, Main Street, Tweedmouth, Berwick-upon-Tweed TD15 2DS
- 12.30-3pm - Cramlington Hub, Retail Park, Manor Walks Shopping Centre, Cramlington, NE23 6YB
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Thursday 5th September 1-4pm - Blyth CVA Hub, 14 Market Place, Blyth, NE24 1BQ
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Friday 6th September 9am - 3pm - Hirst Welfare Centre, Alexandra Road, Ashington, NE63 9HN.
For those who find their blood pressure is on the high side, the Health Trainers will be able to offer lots of helpful advice on the actions to take to reach and maintain a healthy blood pressure.
Around a third of adults in the UK have high blood pressure, although many will not realise it. Yet, in most cases it can be reduced with simple changes to lifestyle, diet and exercise.
Gill O’Neill, Director of Public Health at Northumberland County Council said: “Your blood pressure is very important, no matter your age. High blood pressure is not simply a part of growing old. You can take steps to know your numbers and lower them if it’s high, no matter how old you are.
“High blood pressure, or hypertension, rarely has noticeable symptoms. But if untreated, it increases your risk of serious problems such as heart attacks and strokes.
“Knowing your blood pressure is important; it can potentially save your life. Please call in at any of our drop-in sessions to have this simple check done. There is no need to book, just turn up!”
Northumberland County Councillor Veronica Jones, portfolio holder for Public Health, said: “These free events provide a perfect opportunity to have your blood pressure checked. This will help to enable people to stay in good health, and hopefully help people to live longer, healthier and happier lives. “
The council’s Health Trainer Service can work with you to create a free personal health plan and can be contacted by emailing healthtrainers@northumberland.gov.uk or telephone: 01670 623840.