 |
Rotary Stroke and Health Awareness Day |
|
Wyevale Garden Centre - April 18th 2009 |
 |
On April 18th, members of the Rotary Club of Thornbury took part in a nation-wide health
awareness day in partnership with the Stroke Association. Shoppers at the
Wyevale Garden Centre were invited to have their blood pressure checked. |
|
The annual awareness day is meant 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 controlled and prevented if discovered early enough. |
|
On the day, experienced doctors and para-medics associated with the Club took the blood pressures of over 130
members of the public. Many others declined to be tested stating they were aware of their readings. |
|
Almost 30 of those tested - almost 25% of the total - were advised to consult their General Practitioners, several of them
as a matter of urgency. |
|
On average, the Awareness day has seen 13,500 people across the UK step up to have their blood pressure taken.
In 2008, nearly 3,000 were advised to see their GP for more tests and a further 196 urged to seek
medical advice immediately. |
|
More information about Rotary's involvement is available by clicking here
or by visiting the Stroke Association's website |