Stroke Association and Rotary Club help save lives in Formby by offering free blood pressure tests

The Stroke Association and Rotary International are joining forces to help raise awareness of one of the biggest risk factors for stroke: high blood pressure. They are inviting residents in FORMBY to take a moment to have a free blood pressure test on 13 th April 2019 at 9.15 am. in the Chapel Lane Surgery in Formby Village. Over half of all strokes can be caused by high blood pressure and it is estimated that over five million people across the UK don’t realise they have the condition. Rotary Club of Formby President Alan Gibson said: “Know Your Blood Pressure Day, on 13th April 2019, is all about raising awareness of the link between high blood pressure and stroke. Rotary are supporting the Stroke Association with blood pressure events throughout April and the rest of the year. Rotary Club of Formby will be hosting free blood pressure tests at the Chapel lane Surgery on 13 th April this year.

Stroke strikes every five minutes in the UK, but with events like these, we hope to change this. A blood pressure test is quick and painless, and it could save your life.” In the past few years several Formby residents who attended the event have thanked Rotary and the Stroke Association for possibly saving their lives. Alexis Wieroniey, Deputy Director for Policy and Influencing at the Stroke Association, said: “High blood pressure often has no symptoms, and it’s much more common than people think. That’s why we’re urging as many FORMBY residents as possible to take a moment and have theirs checked at the Rotary Club of Formby’s event on 13 th April. A blood pressure check only takes a moment, and it’s such a simple way to reduce your risk of a stroke.”