May Measure Month
May Measure Month is a global blood pressure screening awareness campaign run by the British and Irish Hypertension Society (along with the International Society of Hypertension). In support of the campaign, we are asking Black Country residents to join in with #TheBigSqueeze and learn about the importance of having their blood pressure measured.
Do you know the risks of high blood pressure and what you can do to reduce them?
There are 75,000 people estimated to have undiagnosed high blood pressure in the Black Country. High blood pressure is the number one cause of preventable death worldwide and, if left untreated, it can significantly increase your risk of heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease and vascular dementia.
High blood pressure can be prevented or reduced by making healthy lifestyle choices. Maintaining a healthy weight, taking regular exercise, drinking alcohol in moderation and not smoking can all help to reduce your risk. Find more information on high blood pressure and prevention advice on the NHS website.
Are you over 40 and without a recent blood pressure measurement?
The only way to know if you have high blood pressure is to have your blood pressure checked.
If you are over 40 and haven’t had your blood pressure checked in the last six months, you are eligible for a free blood pressure check at a local pharmacy.
