Get your blood pressure checked at Saffron Walden Community Hospital

SAFFRON Walden Community Hospital (SWCH) is urging people to come and get their blood pressure checked as part of a national campaign. The free checks will take place at the hospital on Radwinter Road from 9am to 4.30pm on Thursday and Friday September 10

SAFFRON Walden Community Hospital (SWCH) is urging people to come and get their blood pressure checked as part of a national campaign.

The free checks will take place at the hospital on Radwinter Road from 9am to 4.30pm on Thursday and Friday September 10 and 11.

The event is part of annual awareness campaign 'Know your numbers week' run by UK charity the Blood Pressure Association.

One in three adults in the UK - 16 million people - have high blood pressure, yet a third do not know the condition has no symptoms.

SWCH staff nurse Melanie Grout, who is organising the checks, said: "This year's theme is 'could YOU be the one in three?' as one in three adults has high blood pressure. It is the biggest cause of death and disability in the UK through the strokes and heart attacks it causes.

"Having regular checks is the only way to know what your blood pressure is. It only takes five minutes and could save your life. Once people know their numbers from a blood pressure check, steps can be taken to lower them if necessary.

"Visitors on Thursday morning will also benefit from a dietician providing advice and a raffle will help raise money for future health promotion events."

To find out more go to the Know your Numbers website at www.bpassoc.org.uk/kyn or call 020 8772 4994.

If you have a question about high blood pressure, call the Blood Pressure Association's Information Line on 0845 241 0989 (weekdays, 11am-3pm).