Find out if you’re one of the six million people with high blood pressure during Know Your Numbers Week (7-13 September).
The theme for this year’s campaign from Blood Pressure UK is ‘You know your age, do you know your numbers?’
Whether you are 20 to 80 years old, you could be living with undiagnosed high blood pressure – increasing your risk of heart attack, stroke and kidney disease – so go and get tested today.
High blood pressure is known as the “silent killer” – as it usually has no symptoms until it’s too late. But knowing your numbers gives you the power to act – whether that’s eating less salt, being more active, or starting medication if needed. Age doesn’t matter. Everyone should Know Their Numbers!
A blood pressure check is the first step to preventing heart attacks and strokes. High blood pressure narrows the blood vessels and is a major cause of these diseases.
Knowing your blood pressure numbers can save your life.
Where can I have a blood pressure check?
Volair is offering checks at the following locations/times. No appointment needed just pop along.
| Kirkby | Huyton | Halewood | Stockbridge Village | |
| Monday 7 September | 2pm – 3pm | 12.30pm – 1.30pm | ||
| Tuesday 8 September | 9am – 10am | |||
| Wednesday 9 September | 12pm – 1pm | 10am – 11.30am | ||
| Thursday 10 September | 12pm – 1pm | |||
| Friday 11 September | 12pm – 1pm |
Pharmacies: many pharmacies offer free blood pressure checks to those over the age of 40 and have not already been diagnosed with high blood pressure Find a pharmacy that offers free blood pressure checks
Home monitoring is an effective and inexpensive way to keep blood pressure under control – it provides a practical way to Know Your Numbers! without visiting your GP, practice nurse, or pharmacist in person.
NHS Health Checks: available to adults aged 40 to 74 who haven’t been diagnosed with a pre‑existing health condition such as stroke, heart failure or atrial fibrillation. The free NHS health check looks at your risk of developing heart disease, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease and stroke.
The simple check takes around 20-30 minutes and includes taking your blood pressure, measuring your cholesterol by a simple finger-prick test, as well as talking to you about your health such as your family history of medical conditions, if you smoke or drink alcohol and how active you are. Telephone your GP surgery to make an appointment.
Living Well Bus: Knowsley residents can access a wide range of services, including blood pressure checks via The Living Well Service. The Living Well Bus will be at Volair Huyton, Knowsley Leisure and Culture Park on Wednesday 16 September between 10.30 am and 1 pm and 1.30 pm until 4.30 pm.
Actions you can take
You can help to reduce your blood pressure by:-
Cuting down on salt – Don’t add it when cooking or at the table. Check food labels for salt content and avoid processed foods high in salt. Aim to eat less than a level teaspoon (6g) a day.
Eat well – a healthy, balanced, high fibre diet that includes plenty of fruit and vegetables – at least five different portions every day will help. Find out more on the Healthy Knowsley website.
Keep active – No matter how much you do, being active is good for your body and mind. Adults should aim to be active every day. Some is good – more is better still, just do what you can to your own ability. If you are unsure about becoming more active, ask your GP.
Drink less alcohol – cutting back on alcohol does not just help improve your health, it can boost your energy, help you lose weight and save money. Any reduction in the amount you drink every week will be beneficial to your health. Download the NHS Drink Free Days app to help keep track of the amount you drink.
Stop Smoking – support is available at Smokefree Knowsley.
Cllr Christine Bannon, Knowsley’s Cabinet Member for Health said: “High blood pressure is one of the most preventable and treatable conditions but remains one of the leading causes of death. Having your blood pressure checked is the most important step that you can take to reduce your risk of stroke, heart attack or heart failure.
“With the everyday pressures of life, we know that knowing your blood pressure numbers isn’t always a priority. But taking a few moments to have a blood pressure check is so important and could save your life.”
Other helpful information can be found at: Blood Pressure UK