Great Response to Blood Pressure Checks

Members of the Rotary Club of Billericay aided by volunteer nurses, Juliet, Faith and 'Cepta, returned to the Waitrose store in Billericay High Street on Saturday April 23 for the 5th year running, to offer free Blood Pressure tests to the public, and provide information and advice on keeping it under control.  It was all part of the Annual “Know Your Blood Pressure” Day held in collaboration with the Stroke Association and Rotary Clubs across the country.

High blood pressure remains the single biggest risk factor for stroke, contributing to over half of strokes in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.  Know Your Blood Pressure day is about raising awareness of the link between high blood pressure and stroke.

With the co-operation of store manager Ashley Broad and his staff, members gave up their time to encourage shoppers to take a few minutes and have their blood pressure checked. All part of the club's work in serving our local community, and take part in Rotary and the Stroke Association's annual KYBP day.

These days have been taking place for over ten years. With the help of Rotary clubs in the UK, the Know Your Blood Pressure campaign is helping to prevent stroke and save lives.

It was well worth it! Four hours! Three Nurses! 100 patients seen - a new record.

These events can play a big role in reducing strokes across the country. The Stroke Association says high blood pressure is far more common than one would think.

Our thanks to Nurses Cepta Byrne, Juliet Shipton and Faith Purkiss who gave up their time for free to help perform this vital service.