This month, members of the Indian community are being urged to take action to protect themselves from stroke by taking part in Australia’s Biggest Blood Pressure Check.
During April, Stroke Foundation, in partnership with Priceline Pharmacy, is aiming to deliver 50,000 free blood pressure checks around the country and raise vital awareness of the risks associated with stroke.
Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Sharon McGowan said it was easy for the community to get involved.
“Australia’s Biggest Blood Pressure Check is all about getting people to take five minutes out of their day for a quick, free and potentially lifesaving health check,” Ms McGowan said.
“More than four million people around the country are living with high blood pressure putting themselves at serious and unnecessary risk of stroke, and many don’t even know it.
“Blood pressure needs to be measured regularly as there are generally no real red flags if you’re living with high blood pressure: it is known as the silent killer for a reason.
“We’re urging the Indian community to come along to visit their local Priceline Pharmacy for a free health check today,” she said.
Blood pressure is one of the most important and modifiable risk factors for stroke. By checking blood pressure and completing a simple questionnaire health professionals will be able to help identify people who may be at risk of stroke and other chronic illnesses. Those at risk will be referred to their doctor for advice on how to lower their risk and improve their health.
Priceline Pharmacist Torren Powell said they were proud to take part in Australia’s Biggest Blood Pressure Check to help people in the Indian community avoid a life-threatening stroke.
“As a health professional, I want to help people to avoid having a devastating and life-changing stroke. Too many people are unaware that most strokes are preventable,” Mr Powell said.
“There are simple things we can all do to reduce our risk of stroke – manage your blood pressure, eat healthy, exercise, don’t smoke and limit your alcohol consumption.
“High blood pressure is among the most important known risk factors for stroke, causing damage to blood vessel walls, which may eventually lead to a stroke.
“I’m joining the Stroke Foundation in calling on the community to take advantage of a free health check. It will only take five minutes and could save your life,’’ he said.
Ms McGowan said this was the third year the Stroke Foundation had delivered Australia’s Biggest Blood Pressure Check and typically around a quarter of people checked were found to be at risk.
“One in six people will have a stroke in their lifetime; these people are you, your family, your friends, your colleagues,’’ Ms McGowan said.
“Each year during Australia’s Biggest Blood Pressure Check we discover an alarming number of people with high blood pressure who have no idea they are at risk of stroke.
“Stroke does not discriminate – it impacts men and women at any age. This year we are aiming to deliver 50,000 free blood pressure checks around the country and raise vital awareness of the risks associated with stroke.
“I urge the Indian community to join us in Australia’s Blood Pressure Check this April – a fast and simple check may save your life.”
Australia’s Biggest Blood Pressure Check is now on with hundreds of locations across Australia delivering free checks, including Priceline Pharmacy stores, selectedWestfield shopping centers and Know your Numbers sites in Queensland. To find your nearest site visit www.strokefoundation.com.au
| What: | Australia’s Biggest Blood Pressure Check The check takes 5-10 minutes and includes: · A simple questionnaire · Waist measurement (and in some cases other basic measurements) · Blood pressure check · You will then receive an interpretation of your results and be provided with lifestyle advice and/or referral to a doctor for a comprehensive assessment if required. Some Priceline Pharmacy stores have also installed interactive health stations linked to an online health tracker. These machines conduct the same questionnaire and test in a fully automated fashion. To find your nearest site visit www.strokefoundation.com.au |
| When: | 8 April – 4 May |
| Where: | Australia’s Biggest Blood Pressure Check locations: Visit www.strokefoundation.com.au to find the site nearest you |
Stroke Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation that aims to stop stroke, save lives and end suffering and the only national charity dedicated exclusively to stroke. The Stroke Foundation is dedicated to raising awareness, preventing stroke, facilitating research, improving treatment and making life better for stroke survivors.
Priceline Pharmacy is Australia’s leading beauty and health store for women. Priceline Pharmacy’s first store opened in Victoria 30 years ago and today there are 425 stores nationally. Priceline Pharmacy is dedicated to helping women look good, live well and feel great, and offers a wide range of leading health and beauty products and complementary services. Priceline’s Sister Club has over 5.9 million members, making it Australia’s largest health and beauty loyalty program. Priceline Pharmacy also supports five charity partners through the Priceline Pharmacy’s Sisterhood Foundation – an initiative developed to support the health concerns that matter most to women.
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