Call to '˜Know Your Numbers' at Kennedy's

As part of Know Your Numbers! week (12-18 September), Blood Pressure UK is asking the public to get their blood pressure checked - it could just save your life! Kennedy’s Pharmacy is offering free blood pressure checks at their Pharmacies in Rasharkin and Dunloy.

Known as the ‘silent killer’ because it has no symptoms until you have a cardiovascular event such as a stroke or heart attack, the effects of having high blood pressure can cause severe disability, dementia or even death. By Knowing Your Numbers and checking your blood pressure regularly, it’s estimated that over the next 10 years, a staggering 45,000 heart attacks or strokes could be prevented, saving £850million in NHS and social care costs.

The Know Your Numbers! campaign is the UK’s biggest blood pressure testing event held at Pressure Stations around the country.

Alison Ferguson, Pre-registration Pharmacist at Kennedy’s Pharmacy Rasharkin, explains; “Blood pressure is one of the most preventable and treatable conditions but remains one of the leading causes of death”.

Sara Gardner, Pre-registration Pharmacist at Kennedy’s Pharmacy Dunloy, continues; “The message to local people is to take charge of their health and pop down to Kennedy’s pharmacy during the week of 12th September and get their blood pressure checked free of charge and minimise the risk of a stroke and heart attack.”

Katharine Jenner, CEO of Blood Pressure UK says; “It’s great that Kennedy’s Pharmacy is taking part in Know Your Numbers! Week 2016. High blood pressure may not have any symptoms, but strokes and heart attacks do. After you have had your blood pressure checked, you can make changes to reduce your risk, such as eating less salt, taking more exercise and drinking less alcohol – it’s never too late.”

For information go to: www.bloodpressureuk.org/microsites/kyn/Home/AboutKYN