A month of action is taking place throughout September – and it’s due to be popular after an NHS quiz was taken by millions online.
A pharmacy in Shrewsbury is urging residents in the town to have a free blood pressure check and not just rely on an internet quiz.
September is a month of action at Lunts Pharmacy in Roushill and last year they carried out around 60 blood pressure checks – but staff want more people to come in for one this year following the rise of an NHS website check.
The heart age check was in the news last week as it has so far determined that four out of five Britons have a heart age greater than their actual age.
The online test has been branded ridiculous by doctors who say it has sent healthy 30-year-olds to their GP needlessly.
Lauren Wagstaff, Dispensing Technician at the pharmacy in Roushill, said: “Part of the role of your local pharmacy is to ease the pressure on stretched GP surgeries.
“There are plenty of conditions that people can come to us with and get the correct treatment – and this one another example of that.
“The heart age test is a great tool for recognising potential problems people could have, but a free blood pressure test will give an even greater indication if there is actually anything wrong.
“This is an important issue for many adults and as September is a month of action, it is the perfect opportunity to find out more and have a free blood pressure reading.
“We will have a wealth of information and advice for people who want to come in, especially if they are concerned about the outcome from the online test for them.
“Not always, but in some cases persistent high blood pressure can increase your risk of a number of serious and potentially life-threatening conditions, such as heart disease, heart attacks, strokes, heart failure, aortic aneurysms, kidney disease or vascular dementia.”
Lunts Pharmacy at Roushill
Lauren said Lunts is determined to alert people in the county town to potential health problems and increase awareness of heart health and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.
The free blood pressure checks will be on offer Monday to Friday from 9am to 12pm and then again from 2pm to 5pm.
For more information call Lunts Pharmacy in Roushill on 01743 232857 or email lunts.rh@googlemail.com.
