According to Cheshire East Council there are 40,000 people in the Borough who are unaware they have high blood pressure, so the Council is urging to residents to take action.
High blood pressure is a health condition which affects one in four adults in the UK and is the second biggest risk factor for early deaths and disability. Despite this, only four in 10 adults are aware of the condition and how to manage it.
The Council is supporting Blood Pressure UK's efforts to raise awareness of this important issue as part of the 'know your numbers' campaign which runs from Monday 12th to Sunday, 18th September.
The aim of the campaign is to encourage adults to know their own blood pressure numbers and take the necessary action to reach and maintain them at a healthy level. The only way to know for sure if your blood pressure is high is to get it checked.
To have the best possible impact, a number of pharmacies across the Borough have been set up to form 'pressure stations,' where blood pressure checks will be provided.
Councillor Paul Bates, Cabinet member for communities and health, said: "People all lead very busy lives but it is at times like this that it's worth remembering that health is still important.
"The 'know your numbers' campaign is already very successful and a firm reminder that there is still a lot of work to do to reduce the number of people who suffer from unhealthy blood pressure levels."
Julia Kinsey, Registered Osteopath and BPUK Volunteer at Wilmslow CAM Clinic is offering free walk-in blood pressure checks from 12-2pm on Monday 12th, 8:30 to 10am on Thursday 15th and 5-6:30pm from Monday 12th to Friday 16th September.
Julia says: "High Blood Pressure is one of the most preventable and treatable conditions but remains one of the leading causes of death. The message to local people is to take charge of their health and pop down to Wilmslow CAM Clinic during the week of 12th September and get their blood pressure checked free of charge. After you have had your blood pressure checked, you can make changes to reduce your risk,– it's never too late."
For further information or to arrange to have your blood pressure checked email Julia or telephone 01625 533813.
