Shoppers take part in blood pressure checks

BLOOD pressure checks were handed out for free by members of Dunmow s Rotary Club as part of a stroke and health awareness day. Shoppers were encouraged to drop into the United Reform Church on New Street in a bid to help cut down the number of strokes re

BLOOD pressure checks were handed out for free by members of Dunmow's Rotary Club as part of a stroke and health awareness day.

Shoppers were encouraged to drop into the United Reform Church on New Street in a bid to help cut down the number of strokes recorded every year.

And, of the 109 people who participated, 12 were advised to visit their GP after displaying slightly higher blood pressure than normal.

Rotary Club of Dunmow president, Ian Terry, said: "It is fair to say that over the years this event has prevented thousands of people suffering the sometimes fatal and often disabling consequences of a stroke.

"Hopefully this year we will have done the same again."

The stroke and health awareness day is run in partnership with The Stroke Association to help people better understand the relation between high blood pressure (hypertension) and stroke. It is estimated that 40 per cent of the 150,000 strokes suffered by people in the UK each year could be prevented.

Homaira Khan from The Stroke Association said: "Rotary recognises that one of the biggest challenges is to help people understand that strokes don't just happen to other people. They can happen to anyone, at any age and the biggest single risk is high blood pressure.

"Rotarian volunteers play an invaluable role in reaching out to people, encouraging them to have regular checks and take action when needed."

The day also raised �155 for the URC hall through coffee and cake sales.