People in Islington are being offered free blood pressure checks this September to help thousands of residents reduce their risks of serious illness such as stroke and heart disease.
1 in 5 people in Islington have high blood pressure, but only half know about it. This means that there are estimated to be 21,600 people with undiagnosed high blood pressure in our borough.
High blood pressure often has no noticeable symptoms, yet people who have it are more likely to experience stroke or heart attack. If blood pressure is high, a lot can be done to help once it is picked up. The only way for someone to know that they have high blood pressure is to have it measured.
Each September all adults in the UK are encouraged to get their blood pressure checked as part of the national Know Your Numbers campaign, an initiative run annually by Blood Pressure UK.
Islington Council is actively supporting the campaign by promoting blood pressure checks, including community blood pressure checks delivered by partner organisations, Manor Gardens Welfare Trust and Octopus Communities, and NHS Health Checks. It will also draw attention to the broader health and wellbeing support around prevention of high blood pressure.
To find out where blood pressure checking stations will be located in Islington in September visit www.oneyouislington.org.
On the September 11th between 8:30am and 10am the council is holding a joint event for Camden, Haringey and Islington employers at Islington Town Hall, called Healthy Hearts Business Breakfast in an attempt to help employers support their employees in taking care of their heart. There will be an opportunity to get free checks and meet the council’s wellbeing providers. Spaces are limited; employers can register for a place here.
Shannon Butler from The Manor Gardens Welfare Trust said: “A lot of people who come to us have been wondering about their blood pressure. They welcome the opportunity to get a check here.”
It is important to remember that getting your blood pressure checked is just the first step in taking care of your heart. Shannon said that as well offering blood pressure checks “we talk about their lifestyles and their mood. We have conversations about what can be done to stay healthy. We also advise people to contact their GP practice if their blood pressure is high”.
Cllr Janet Burgess, executive member for health and social care and deputy leader of Islington Council said: “We want to help people in Islington to live healthy lives, and strongly support this invitation for people in Islington to get a free blood pressure check this autumn. A blood pressure check takes a few minutes but can make a huge difference to health. With so many people in Islington living with undiagnosed high blood pressure, it is vitally important that residents get their blood pressure checked this September.”
To find out more about blood pressure checks and Know Your Numbers, contact: [email protected]
