Free blood pressure checks in Cramlington on Friday

Northumberland County Council’s Health Trainer Service is offering free blood pressure checks to local residents during Know Your Numbers! Week 2022.

Know Your Numbers! Week, which takes place from 5-11 September, is the UK’s biggest blood pressure testing and awareness event, and this year’s theme is ‘Measure. Modify. Manage.’
– Measure your blood pressure to see if it’s under control.
– Modify your lifestyle if necessary.
– Manage your blood pressure and your health to beat ‘the silent killer’.

If you haven’t had your blood pressure checked in a while, why not pop along to one of the drop-in sessions taking place:

Wednesday 7th September, 1pm – 3pm at Full Circle Food, Hirst Park Growing Zone, Hirst Park, Ashington, NE63 9BA

Thursday 8th September, 10am – 2pm at Blyth Community Hub, Unit 6, Keel Row Shopping Centre, Blyth, NE24 1AH

Friday 9th September, 10am – 1pm at Cramlington Community Hub, Forum Way, Cramlington, NE23 6YB

If your blood pressure does happen to be on the high side, our Health Trainers will be able to give you lots of helpful advice on the actions you can 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.

Liz Morgan, Director of Public Health at Northumberland County Council said: “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.

“Life is pretty challenging for many of us at the moment and looking after ourselves is often the last thing we think about or have time to do. Yet knowing your blood pressure is really important as 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 Wendy Pattison, cabinet member for Adult Wellbeing, said: “These free events provide a perfect opportunity to have your blood pressure checked. We want to enable people to keep an eye on their health and look after themselves, and hopefully help people to live long, 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.