The Stroke Association and Thame and Haddenham and District Rotary Clubs are joining forces to help raise awareness of one of the biggest risk factors for stroke: high blood pressure. They are inviting residents in Thame and neighbouring villages to take a moment to have a free blood pressure test at the Cooperative Supermarket in Thame on Saturday 22nd April between 10:00 and 14:00.
Over half of all strokes can be caused by high blood pressure and it is estimated that over five million people across the UK don’t realise they have the condition.
Sandy Davison, Thame Rotary event organizer, said: “Know Your Blood Pressure Day, on 22 April 2017, is all about raising awareness of the link between high blood pressure and stroke. Rotary are supporting the Stroke Association with blood pressure events throughout April and the rest of the year. Stroke strikes every five minutes in the UK, but with events like these, we hope to change this. A blood pressure test is quick and painless, and it could save your life.”
Alexis Wieroniey, Deputy Director for Policy and Influencing at the Stroke Association, said: “High blood pressure often has no symptoms, and it’s much more common than people think. That’s why we’re urging as many Thame area residents as possible to take a moment and have theirs checked at Thame and Haddenham Rotary Clubs joint event at Thame’s Coop on the 22nd April. A blood pressure check only takes a moment, and it’s such a simple way to reduce your risk of a stroke.”
In addition to the events taking place on Saturday 22 April, there will be blood pressure checks at community events throughout the year. To find your nearest blood pressure event, you can visit www.stroke.org.uk/kybp
To find out more about the Rotary Clubs organising this event, please visit www.thame.rotary1090.org and www.haddenham-rotary.org.uk
• A stroke is a brain attack which happens when the blood supply to the brain is cut off, caused by a clot or bleeding in the brain. There are more than 100,000 strokes in the UK each year; that is around one stroke every five minutes. There are over 1.2 million people in the UK living with the effects of stroke.
• Stroke Association is a charity. We believe in life after stroke and together we can conquer stroke. We work directly with stroke survivors and their families and carers, with health and social care professionals and with scientists and researchers. We campaign to improve stroke care and support people to make the best recovery they can. We fund research to develop new treatments and ways of preventing stroke. The Stroke Helpline (0303 303 3100) provides information and support on stroke. More information can be found at www.stroke.org.uk
• Our Know Your Blood Pressure Day is a national blood pressure awareness day that focuses on increasing public awareness of high blood pressure as a key risk factor for stroke. Our long standing delivery partner for the campaign, Rotary International Great Britain and Ireland (RIBI) often support us by holding events across the UK on this day. To find out more visit www.stroke.org.uk/kybp.
• Over half of all strokes can be caused by high blood pressure. Stroke strikes every five minutes in the UK. Take a moment to download a free blood pressure information pack from our website at stroke.org.uk/moments
• Rotary International is a worldwide voluntary organisation of 1.2 million dedicated business professionals and community leaders. In Great Britain and Ireland there are over 50,000 men and women of all ages from all walks of life in Rotary clubs who share a passion and commitment to helping and improving communities both locally and across the world. Each member enjoys giving something back to those in need, as well as building business and social networking opportunities, learning new skills and having a huge amount of fun.
