Residents of Ammanford have had the chance to have their blood pressure tested as part of Know Your Numbers Week.
Communities First Pantyffynnon and the Carmarthenshire Leisure Services Department were among around 1,400 official ‘pressure stations’ that took part in the nation’s biggest blood pressure testing event last week.
The event in Ammanford was to raise awareness of risk factors and health conditions relating to high blood pressure, such as stroke and heart disease.
According to the Stoke Association, one in three adults in the UK (16 million) have high blood pressure, which is the biggest known cause of premature death and disability in the UK, and is a risk factor for kidney disease and dementia.
Communities First Pantyffynnon development worker Emma Martin-Jewell said: “As a lot of our work is focussed on improving the health and wellbeing of people, it was important that we raised awareness of the effects of high blood pressure.
“It proved to be a big hit with locals, with almost 60 residents getting themselves checked at our blood pressure station. Those who did take part couldn’t speak more highly of the service and would like to see it back again.”
The free blood pressure checks were carried out by trained professionals from Carmarthenshire’s Leisure Services. The department runs a Vitality scheme which link in with the doctor’s surgeries, through referrals. Staff were on hand to offer some advice of staying healthy, and information on activities and local health services available.
Carmarthenshire County Council executive board member for regeneration and Leisure Cllr Clive Scourfield said:
“This was a very worthwhile initiative with about 60 residents taking the opportunity to have their blood pressure checked.
“I would encourage people to have their blood pressure tested as it could reveal any problem in time for it to be managed.”
If you would like to find out about other health related schemes in Pantyffynnon please contact Emma on 01269 596821.
