Campaign to combat the "silent killer"
'Know your numbers' raises awareness of high blood pressure, encouraging all UK adults to get a blood pressure check. It takes place from Monday 2 to Sunday 8 September 2024. It is organised by Blood Pressure UK
A range of events are taking place across Humber and North Yorkshire to encourage people to come forward and get a free blood pressure check. 145,000 people are thought to have undiagnosed high blood pressure in our region.
Also known as hypertension, it is often referred to as the ‘silent killer” as it rarely has noticeable symptoms. Untreated, it increases the risk of serious problems like heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease and other serious illnesses.
You have the power
This year’s national campaign is particularly focused on monitoring blood pressure at home.
Home monitoring is an effective and inexpensive way for people to keep track of their numbers without the need to visit a healthcare professional. It offers people a way to take control of their health, feel confident, and take the pressure off the NHS at the same time.
Where you can get your blood pressure checked
Self-service pressure stations in North Yorkshire libraries and the mobile library visiting various locations up to and including Sunday 8 September 2024. We advise contacting your local library first to find out times.
Tuesday 3 September 2024 from 6pm until 8pm at Scarborough Sports Village (before Scarborough Athletic FC match). Ashburn Road, Off Valley Road, Scarborough, YO11 2JW.
Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 9.30pm and Saturday 9.00am to 1.00pm up to and including the Sunday 8 September 2024. Held at the blood pressure kiosk at The Street Scarborough, 12 Lower Clark Street, Scarborough, YO12 7PW.
You can find out more information and a list of some other pop-up blood pressure stations and health kiosks available during the week on the link below:
Visit the Let’s Get Better website
Local pharmacies are also offering people over the age of 40 to get a free blood pressure check.
"Around one in four adults in the UK have high blood pressure, although many will not even realise it."
"Around one in four adults in the UK have high blood pressure, although many will not even realise it. That’s why getting your blood pressure checked and ‘knowing your numbers’ is so important.
"Whether it is getting your blood pressure checked at your GP practice, visiting your local pharmacy or measuring your own blood pressure with a home device – it’s the first step in helping us identify any issues that could put you at greater risk of serious ill health.
"If hypertension is identified, your GP practice will then work with you to make lifestyle changes and to manage your levels."
"Every day in the UK, 350 people have a stroke or heart attack caused by high blood pressure. We can prevent this."
“We believe every adult in the UK should know their blood pressure numbers in the same way they know their height and weight.
"If detected early, simple changes to lifestyle like healthy eating, reducing salt intake, cutting down on caffeine, 30 minutes exercise five days a week, reducing alcohol intake and stopping smoking and reducing weight can all help achieve a healthy blood pressure reading."
