SEPT is urging Britons to ‘Make Every Second Count’ when it Comes to their health

Millions advised to get a quick, free, and painless blood pressure check during Know Your Numbers! Week (14-20 September 2015).

South Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (SEPT) in Saffron Walden is asking the public to make every second count this September by taking part in Blood Pressure UK’s ‘Know Your Number! Week’.

SEPT is among the hundreds of official ‘Pressure Stations’ from across Essex who are taking part in the charity’s Know Your Numbers! Week by offering a free blood pressure check.

A survey  from the charity Blood Pressure UK has revealed that a shocking 33% of people haven’t had their blood pressure checked in the last year as they don’t think it affects them, yet just a couple of minutes spent thinking about health could save their life.

The independent survey of over 1000 Britons also showed that out of those people who hadn’t had their blood pressure taken in the last year, 25% don’t even consider it as a health issue. It also revealed if they had a few extra minutes of time in their day, rather than undertaking a potentially life-saving blood pressure check (11.6%), top of their list of things to do would be to make a cup of tea (44%)!

The Know Your Numbers! campaign is the UK’s biggest blood pressure testing event and this, its fourteenth, year aims is to highlight that in the time it takes to boil a kettle, you could have taken a blood pressure reading which might save your life. A shocking 16 million people in the UK suffer from high blood pressure, which is the biggest risk factor for stroke and heart attacks yet 63% did not know their blood pressure numbers.

High blood pressure is the UK’s biggest silent killer, responsible for 60% of strokes and 40% of heart attacks. High blood pressure is also a risk factor for kidney disease and dementia. Volunteers hosting the ‘Pressure Stations’ provide information and advice on simple steps to keep blood pressure under control.

SEPT is offering free blood pressure checks at Saffron Walden Hospital on Thursday 24 September between 10:00 and 16:00.

Sally Morris, Chief Executive for SEPT said: “It’s great that SEPT is taking part in Know Your Numbers! Week 2015. With so much happening in our lives it is often difficult to find the time to prioritise our health, but a quick free check of your blood pressure could be all it takes to prevent more serious issues developing later on in life.”

For further information on Blood Pressure UK and Know Your Numbers! Week, go to: www.bloodpressureuk.org/microsites/kyn/Home/AboutKYN

To find your nearest check visit:
http://www.bloodpressureuk.org/microsites/kyn/Home/Freebpchecks/Findfreecheck

ENDS

Kate Witham, Communications Officer on 01268 739758 or email kate.witham@sept.nhs.uk

Media contact information: For more information on Know Your Numbers! Week, call 020 7882 6255/5793, email kyn@bloodpressureuk.org or visit the website at www.bloodpressureuk.org/kyn or to contact the Blood Pressure UK Press Office, call Sarah Wallace on 07870210025 or email sarah@bluebirdpr.co.uk

Notes to Editors:

About Blood Pressure UK

Blood Pressure UK is the UK’s leading blood pressure charity working to lower the nation’s blood pressure. The charity provides information and support for people with high blood pressure and raises awareness to prevent the condition. For more information visit the charity’s website at www.bloodpressureuk.org. If you have a question about your blood pressure, call 020 7882 6255. Blood Pressure UK is the operating name of the Blood Pressure Association, charity reg. 1058944.

Facts about blood pressure from Blood Pressure UK:

• One in three adults in the UK – 16 million – has high blood pressure. It is estimated that nearly a half (8 million) don’t know they have the condition.

• High blood pressure has no obvious signs or symptoms. The only way to find out if you have the condition is to have a blood pressure check.

• Untreated high blood pressure is the major risk factor for stroke and heart attack. It is also a risk factor for heart and kidney disease and vascular dementia.

• A healthy blood pressure is a level of 120/80mmHg or less. If readings are consistently at or above 140/90mmHg, high blood pressure is diagnosed, and action should be taken to lower it.

• If your blood pressure is raised, you can lower it by leading a healthier lifestyle, and, if necessary, by taking medication as directed by your doctor.

Blood Pressure UK’s ‘Top five tips for a healthy blood pressure’:

1. Cut down on salt – Reducing your salt intake it the quickest way to lower your blood pressure.  Don’t add it when cooking or at the table and check food labels – aim to eat less than 6g a day.

2. Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables – at least five different portions every day.

3. Watch your weight – try to reach the right weight for your height.

4. Exercise regularly – that doesn’t have to mean the gym, how about a regular lunchtime walk? 30 minutes five times a week is ideal. If you are unsure about taking up exercise, ask your GP.

5.  Drink alcohol in moderation – no more than 3-4 units a day for men and no more than 2-3 units for women (a pint of normal strength beer = 2 units, a medium glass of wine = 2 units).