THERE’S a chance to have your blood pressure checked for free at a special event on Saturday.
The Rotary Club of South Holland is hosting a Know Your Blood Pressure event at the former Shooters Bar in Spalding Market Place from 10am to 3pm.
In an attempt to reduce the number of blood pressure-related strokes, people will be offered a free blood pressure monitoring service and information on health issues.
Every year 150,000 people in the UK suffer a stroke, but it’s estimated that 40 per cent of these could be prevented by controlling high blood pressure.
Over the last year more than 20,500 people have had their blood pressure taken at a Know Your Blood Pressure event and more than 40 per cent of them had high blood pressure.
Keith Brown, president of the Rotary Club of South Holland, said: “High blood pressure is the single biggest risk factor for a stroke.
“One of the biggest challenges is making people understand that strokes don’t just happen to older people. They can happen to anyone, at any age.
“It’s vital that everyone knows what their blood pressure is and this campaign encourages people to have regular checks and take action when needed.
“The blood pressure test is short, painless and simple and we urge people to come along on Saturday and get tested by professional volunteers.”