Pirates’ Support for the NHS
As many will have been aware, the NHS teamed up with the Cornish Pirates last week to offer free blood pressure checks at the Mennaye Field before last Friday evening’s game versus Bath Rugby.
The opportunity for supporters tied in with national ‘Know Your Numbers!’ week, after Cornish Pirates' players and staff members had also earlier had their blood pressure tested.
High blood pressure causes two thirds of strokes and almost half of all heart attacks. More than 6 million people across the UK have it and many are not aware yet it is one of the most preventable and treatable conditions. It also rarely has symptoms that you can notice, so the only way to find out is to be tested. That’s why NHS Cornwall ICB have started its year-long mission to get more people identified and treated.
Simon Edwards, the Pirates’ head physiotherapist said: “When NHS Cornwall approached us, we knew we wanted to get involved as older men in the 40 to 74 age range are one of the biggest undiagnosed groups for high blood pressure. That struck a chord. If people get checked and take action we could prevent 503 heart attacks and 749 strokes across the south-west. That’s important.”
It is worthy to note that a local pharmacy can take readings for free, and many GP surgeries have a blood pressure machine in the waiting room. If anyone has access to a blood pressure monitor, they can test themselves at home and some GP practices allow you to submit the readings to them online.
Anyone who has had a recent blood pressure reading can also use the NHS check your blood pressure tool to understand what the numbers mean and what to do next.
There is lots more information about blood pressure, why it is important, and support available in your local area on NHS England’s Know your numbers webpage. More general information is available here.
