Ninety one people had their blood pressure levels checked by a team of medics in Ossett Town centre on Saturday 26th April, resulting in 26 of them being referred to their own GPs for further checks, one of them urgently.

The blood pressure checks were part of a national campaign organised by the Stroke Association and supported by Rotary Clubs throughout the UK. Peter Constantine of the Horbury and Ossett Phoenix Rotary Club organised the Ossett precinct event with the help of two retired GPs, a Dentist and a practise nurse who carried out the testing. They were supported by other Rotary Club members who distributed leaflets highlighting the dangers of high blood pressure and the need to be aware of any abnormalities.

Peter said, “The numbers being tested this year are down about 25% on previous years, Ossett was very quiet on Saturday morning despite good weather and both the Farmers Market and the Craft fair taking place in the Town Hall. It did mean that all those wanting to have their blood pressure tested had instant access without queuing.”

High blood pressure is one of the major causes of stroke, and each year in England Wales 130,000 people have a stroke. Stroke is the third biggest killer in the UK, it kills 3 times as many women as breast cancer, and is the largest single cause of disability in England and Wales.

You can help to lower your blood pressure by eating a healthy, balanced diet: cutting down your salt intake: take regular exercise: drink sensibly – no more than 21 units for men, and 14 for women, per week: and give up smoking.