Blood Pressure Testing Day

The Rotary Club of Brigg held a ‘Know Your Blood Pressure Day’ event at the Brigg Garden Centre on Sunday, 14^th June 2015.  This was part of a national campaign supported by Rotary in conjunction with the Stroke Association.  It was a highly successful day and Rotary were joined by a team of 8 nurses who kindly volunteered their time and gave friendly but professional advice.

A stroke is devastating and 150,000 people have a stroke every year. High blood pressure is the biggest risk factor for a stroke.  Forty percent of strokes could be prevented if high blood pressure was detected and controlled. 

Out of the 190 Blood Pressures taken on Sunday, 2 people were directed to Hospital for urgent attention, a further 4 were guided to follow up with their GP within a week and 43 people were guided to see their GP within a month. That is a staggering 1 in 4 needing to have follow up checks. Many of the participants were very grateful for the information and service provided and some also had a day that turned out very differently to what they had imagined when they had set off to visit their local garden centre, especially for those requiring more urgent attention.  Not all referrals will require treatment but it shows the value of regular check-ups.

It would not be possible to run these events without the willing support of Rotarians and local volunteer nurses.  Their support is greatly appreciated and Rotary definitely made a difference within the Brigg community in a very positive way.