humanity in motion
rotary international in great britain
and ireland
Rotary Club of
Godalming Woolsack
humanity in motion
rotary international in great britain
and ireland
ROTARY PUTS THE PRESSURE ON
The annual 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% of the 150,000 strokes suffered by people in the U.K each year could be prevented. This condition can easily be controlled.
On average, the initiative sees around 13,500 people across the UK step up to have their blood pressure taken. Last year, nearly 3,000 were advised to see their GP for more tests and a further 196 urged to seek medical advice immediately.
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.”
Rotary clubs run their blood pressure check events in church halls, supermarkets, shopping centres, libraries and leisure centres, usually assisted by a small team of health professionals including GPs or nurses.
For more information, call 0845 30 33 100 or visit the Know Your Blood Pressure Pages on http://www.stroke.org.uk/campaigns/other_campaigns/know_your_blood_pressure/.
A successful Stroke Awareness Campaign was undertaken on Saturday, 17th April, with 122 local residents attending to have their blood pressure taken by medical professionals - for some members of the public, it was their second or third visit, building up a good record of their general health.
The professional team comprised Dr Chris Jagger and his wife Maggie, Dr Karen Jones (Binscombe Medical Practice) and Mrs Ann Williams (a nurse at Milford Hospital).
Rotarian Ian Williams raises blood pressures in the High Street!
Of the 122 participants, the male / female split was about 50:50, the age profile heavily weighted towards the over 55 yrs, but more importantly, 40 people were advised to visit their own GP, with 2 further urgent referrals.
The fine weather helped to make this community activity a very worthwhile exercise.