AUSSIES are being urged to know their blood pressure to protect themselves from stroke.
Create a free account to read this article
or signup to continue reading
The Stroke Foundation has teamed up with Priceline pharmacies and selected shopping centres to offer free health checks as part of Australia's Biggest Blood Pressure Check until June 14.
Stroke Foundation chief executive Sharon McGowan said about 4.1million Australians were living with uncontrolled high blood pressure, putting themselves at serious risk of a stroke.
"The only way to know your blood pressure is to have it checked; high blood pressure has no symptoms," she said.
"There is one stroke every 10 minutes. It tragically kills more women than breast cancer and more men than prostate cancer, yet it is largely preventable.
"The best way to protect yourself from stroke is by knowing your blood pressure and managing your stroke risk."
She said the checks were simple, fast and free "and it may save your life".
The health check takes about 10 minutes and includes a questionnaire and blood pressure check. Participants will then get an interpretation of their results and be provided with lifestyle advice and/or a referral to a doctor for a comprehensive assessment if required.
During last year's campaign, more than 56,000 checks were delivered, with a third of the people tested found to be at high risk of stroke and referred to their doctor for a full assessment.
To find your nearest site - www.strokefoundation.org.au
