Shoppers in Great Dunmow will have a chance to check their blood pressure for free on Saturday, April 22.
The town’s Rotary Club, in partnership with the Stroke Association, will be checking blood pressure levels in a bid to cut down the number of strokes recorded in the UK every year.
The tests will be in the United Reformed Church in New Street, Dunmow between 9.30am and noon. It is estimated that 40 per cent of the 150,000 strokes suffered by people in the UK each year could be prevented. This condition can easily be controlled.
Last year on blood pressure awareness day, nearly 3,000 were advised to see their GP for more tests and a further 196 urged to seek medical advice immediately.
Chris Barrett, Dunmow Rotary president said: “Over the years, this event has prevented thousands of people suffering the sometimes fatal and often disabling consequences of a stroke.”
Homaira Khan from The Stroke Association said: “Strokes can happen to anyone, at any age and the biggest single risk is high blood pressure. For more information, call 0845 30 33 100 or visit www.stroke.org.uk/campaigns/other_campaigns/know_your_blood_pressure.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here