Shropshire leisure centres offering blood pressure checks during Know Your Numbers Week
News from our partners (Shropshire Community Leisure Trust and Serco Leisure)
Two Shropshire leisure centres are encouraging people to get their blood pressure checked as part of Know Your Numbers Week, the UK’s biggest blood pressure testing and awareness event, which takes place between 7 and 13 September.
Know your blood pressure numbers
Know Your Numbers Week, which forms part of Blood Pressure Awareness Week, is organised by the charity Blood Pressure UK, and this year Shrewsbury Sports Village and Oswestry Leisure Centre are offering free sessions for people who want to get checked.
If you would like to know your numbers, please visit:
Shrewsbury Sports Village:
Thursday 10 September – 9am to 12pm
Oswestry Leisure Centre:
Friday 11 September – 9am to 12pm
To help ensure an accurate reading, participants are advised to stay well hydrated on the day of the test and wear loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to the upper arm. Anyone who has had a mastectomy, is pregnant, or has any medical condition that could affect their reading should inform the member of staff carrying out the test.
Although everyone can benefit from knowing their blood pressure, it is particularly important for adults aged 40 and over, who should aim to have theirs checked at least once a year.
Rhys Collins, Contract Manager for Shropshire Community Leisure Trust, which operates the centres in partnership with Serco Leisure, said:
“High blood pressure is often called the ‘silent killer’ because it can have no symptoms, so regular checks are really important.
By offering free blood pressure checks at our centres, we’re making it easier for local people to keep on top of their health.
I would encourage anyone who hasn’t had their blood pressure checked recently to take advantage of this free service. It only takes a few minutes and could make a real difference to your long-term health and wellbeing.”
Ruth Houghton, Portfolio Holder for Social Care ( Adults and Children) added:
“Blood pressure checks take just a few minutes at your GP practice and can save your life. Knowing your numbers week is the ideal reminder to book your blood pressure health check.”
As a general guide, an ideal blood pressure reading is below 120/80 mmHg. A reading of 140/90 mmHg or above is usually considered high and should be discussed with a healthcare professional. People who receive elevated readings will be advised on appropriate next steps, including speaking to their GP or healthcare professional.
For more information about Know Your Numbers Week and local testing sessions, visit: Blood Pressure UK
For further information, please contact:
Alan Mitchell – Communications Manager
Alan.mitchell@serco.com
07764 333 639
Notes to editors:
About Shropshire Community Leisure Trust
Shropshire Community Leisure Trust manages the Whitchurch Swimming Centre, SpArC Bishops Castle Leisure Centre, Market Drayton Swimming Pool, Oswestry Leisure Centre, Shrewsbury Sports Village and The Quarry Swimming Pools.
Our vision is the creation and maintenance of a first-class range of healthy leisure and recreational activities and facilities to serve all parts of the communities in the areas we serve.
We work in partnership with the community and all relevant bodies including but not restricted to existing providers of relevant leisure and recreational activities, the Local and Parish Councils, County and Town Councils and potential funding partners. For more information, visit our website: Shropshire Community Leisure Trust
About Serco Leisure
Our vision is to help our customers make more of every day. We run gyms, swimming pools, event venues and National Sports Centres, including Bisham Abbey, Lilleshall and the National Water Sports Centre at Holme Pierrepont Country Park. For more information about the company, visit its webpage: https://www.serco.com/uk/sector-expertise/citizen-services/leisure-services
