Free Blood Pressure checks for Awareness Week

Media Release: 7 September 2008

Free Blood Pressure checks for Awareness Week

The Stroke Foundation of New Zealand and Lions International have teamed up to try and keep New Zealanders in better health by increasing awareness of blood pressure.

Together they urge New Zealanders to have a blood pressure check and not become another victim of New Zealand’s second single largest killer. Called “Take the Pressure off Stroke”, this Stroke Awareness Week (8-14 September) has a specific focus on knowing and controlling your blood pressure, because controlling blood pressure is often the best way of preventing stroke and living a healthier life.

According to Stroke Foundation CEO, Mark Vivian: “We see this as a great opportunity to help New Zealanders have greater control over their health. Blood pressure is often the biggest contributor to strokes in New Zealand, and too many New Zealanders don’t know their blood pressure.”

Research shows that Maori, Pacific Island and some Asian communities are in greater danger of having stroke at a younger age compared to New Zealanders of European origin. According to Mr Vivian: “The bottom line is – know your blood pressure, and if it needs management, do so immediately. It could make all the difference to your future quality and length of life.”

To find a free blood pressure testing site near you, go to www.stroke.org.nz to see the latest list of sites. Caption: Mark Vivian, NZ Stroke Foundation CEO.

ENDS

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