During the week of 12 - 18 September 2016 Swettenham Chemists supported Blood Pressure UK's campaign to raise awareness of high blood pressure and to get to 'Know Your Numbers'

Swettenham Chemists undertook 80+ Blood Pressure checks during the campaign week and recorded the following non-target blood pressure readings:

• Two low recordings were noted and referral to GPs resulted in a change of medication.
• Nine patients with raised readings were advised to see their GPs.

For next year's campaign we are aiming to increase our number of checks to over 200+ and to raise awareness further. A big thank you to all Swettenham Chemists' staff for their efforts during the campaign week.

Why is my blood pressure reading so important?
High blood pressure increases your risk of having a stroke or heart attack. It is also a risk factor for kidney disease, dementia and other illnesses, If you have high blood pressure, by lowering it with lifestyle changes and medines you can lower your risk of these problems.

What is blood pressure?

Blood pressure is the pressure of blood in your arteries. If it is too high over a period of time and is not treated you will be more at risk of having a stroke or heart attack. High blood pressure usually has no symptoms which is why many people do not know they have it.

The only way to find out if you have high blood pressure is to have regular checks and remember the numbers in the same way as your height and weight. In other words, KNOW YOUR NUMBERS! - and encourage your family and friends to do the same.

To find out more on how to lower your blood pressure, visit www.bloodpressureuk.org where you can find further information on why keeping your blood pressure low is so important.