Free blood pressure checks for residents this summer

Bolton residents are being urged to partake in free blood pressure checks throughout July and August.

It comes as part of a health awareness campaign targeting the 'Silent Killer.'

Operating across 33 Well Pharmacies, including the Astley site, the programme is a collaborative effort by Kinetik Wellbeing and Blood Pressure UK.

It's aimed at educating adults about hypertension – a condition often undetected and acknowledged as the leading preventable cause of death in the UK.

The campaign, 'Know Your Numbers! Manchester' offers free checks and advice to anyone visiting a participating pharmacy this summer.

A study by Blood Pressure UK uncovered that a staggering 57 per cent of Manchester adults between 30-50 don’t know their blood pressure numbers.

This means many are living with a potentially serious undiagnosed condition which increases the risk of stroke, heart attack, and heart failure.

Unhealthy lifestyles and poor diets are causing more individuals in their 30s, 40s and 50s to be diagnosed with hypertension.

Currently about one in three people in the UK live with high blood pressure.

Research also shows that excessive salt intake contributes to high blood pressure, specific to age-related increases.

A decrease of one gram in daily salt intake could reduce the incidence of strokes and heart attacks, potentially preventing 6,000 premature deaths in the UK annually.

Amie Kendall, head of marketing at Kinetik Wellbeing said: "Never has there been a better time to take control of your health by knowing your blood pressure numbers which, as evidence shows, can lead to a longer and healthier life."

Phil Pyatt, CEO of Blood Pressure UK, said: "We are proud to be supporting this massively important campaign as having your blood pressure checked is the most important step that you can take to reduce your risk of stroke, heart attack or heart failure."

Ifti Khan, pharmacy superintendent at Well Pharmacy added: "We are delighted to be part of this crucial initiative.

"Offering free blood pressure checks is part of our commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of our communities."