Free blood pressure checks nationwide
The Stroke Foundation of New Zealand and Lions International have teamed up to try and keep New Zealanders in better health by increasing awareness of blood pressure.
Together they urge New Zealanders to have a blood pressure check and not become another victim of New Zealand’s second single largest killer. Called “Take the Pressure off Stroke”, this Stroke Awareness Week (8-14 September) has a specific focus on knowing and controlling your blood pressure, because controlling blood pressure is often the best way of preventing stroke and living a healthier life.
According to Stroke Foundation CEO, Mark Vivian: “We see this as a great opportunity to help New Zealanders have greater control over their health. Blood pressure is often the biggest contributor to strokes in New Zealand, and too many New Zealanders don’t know their blood pressure.”
Research shows that Maori, Pacific Island and some Asian communities are in greater danger of having stroke at a younger age compared to New Zealanders of European origin. According to Mr Vivian: “The bottom line is – know your blood pressure, and if it needs management, do so immediately. It could make all the difference to your future quality and length of life.”
To find a free blood pressure testing site near you, go to www.stroke.org.nz to see the latest list of sites.
ENDS
For further information on blood pressure and stroke:
Dr John Fink, Canterbury DHB, ph 03-364-0940, john.fink@otago.ac.nz
For further information on the Stroke Foundation and its work:
Martin Robinson, Communications Manager, NZ Stroke Foundation.
martin_robinson@stroke.org.nz
mob: 027-212-4200
ph: 04-472-8099
fax: 04-472-7019
Notes to Editor:
1. A stroke is a sudden interruption of blood flow to the brain, causing brain cell damage. Basically, it is a brain attack.
2. Stroke is the second single largest killer in New Zealand (more than 2000
people every year).
3. Stroke is the major cause of adult disability in New Zealand.
4. Every day, 20 New Zealanders have a stroke – that is about 7,600 people each year.
5. The Stroke Foundation has created a leaflet on blood pressure and the steps you can take to control it called “Take the pressure off stroke – Fact Sheet”.
6. Be blood pressure aware
It is vital that everyone has their blood pressure levels tested regularly as a healthy blood pressure level is important in maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system. Blood pressure is a measure of the force blood exerts on the arteries as it is pumped around the body. Blood pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg). There are two measures of blood pressure and the optimal level is below 120/80 mmHg:
- Systolic blood pressure - this is the pressure the blood exerts on the arteries
when the heart beats
- Diastolic blood pressure - this is the pressure the blood exerts on the arteries
when the heart relaxes between beats
Causes of high blood pressure
High blood pressure is often caused by lifestyle and diet factors including smoking, stress, lack of exercise and poor diet. The risk of high blood pressure increases as you get older and is also above average in minority ethnic groups, especially in African Caribbean and South-Asian communities.
Controlling blood pressure
Blood pressure can be controlled via diet and lifestyle, for example:
- Limit your salt intake - eat less than 6g of salt each day
- Stop smoking
- Aim to eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables each day
- Reduce your fat intake, especially saturated fat
- Drink alcohol in moderation
- Get active - aim to do at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity
- Watch your weight
7. The Stroke Foundation is New Zealand’s only organisation solely dedicated to reducing the risks of stroke, and improving outcomes for the stroke - affected.
8. Lions International is a worldwide organization of business and professional leaders that provides humanitarian service, encourages high ethical standards in all vocations, and helps build goodwill and peace in the world. Members carry out this work in their community and/or overseas by giving their time and their expertise. A Lions Club is open to men and women who are business, professional or community leaders who want to use their experience for the benefit of others.
Stroke Foundation: “Reducing risks – improving outcomes”. www.stroke.org.nz
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