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Sept
Free blood pressure checks offered across the Harrogate district
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Harrogate district residents are being offered free ‘life-saving’ blood pressure checks.
As part of the charity Blood Pressure UK’s awareness week from September 7 to 13, North Yorkshire Council is working with local services to make blood pressure checks more accessible for residents.
Libraries across the county will be loaned a blood pressure monitor for the next year, which members can use free.
If you are not a library member, it is free and easy to sign up and then ask a member of staff for a blood pressure monitor.
It is estimated that more than 50,000 adults in North Yorkshire are living with high blood pressure without knowing it, as the condition normally has no symptoms.
High blood pressure can lead to diseases such as heart attack or strokes, but can be managed with medications and lifestyle changes.
Cllr Michael Harrison, the council’s executive member for health and adult services, said:
High blood pressure is known as the ‘silent killer’ – no symptoms, just risk.
It can lead to heart attacks and strokes. It can also cause kidney disease, dementia and other illnesses. However, these tragedies can be prevented through awareness of high blood pressure, blood pressure checks and management.
I would encourage as many people as possible to take advantage of these free and life-saving convenient blood pressure checks. It only takes a few minutes and could make a significant difference to your health and wellbeing.
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