08/23 Free Blood Pressure Checks 4th-8th September

Nearly six million people in the UK have high blood pressure and don’t know it, which is why the University’s Occupational Health Service are offering free, confidential blood pressure checks as part of Blood Pressure UK’s national ‘Make the time, ease your pressure’ campaign, part of ‘Know Your Numbers Week.’

Effect on Bangor University Staff

In September 2022 Bangor University ran its first Know Your Numbers event for staff, with over 85 colleagues coming to the drop-in sessions for a free blood pressure check. Michele Lake, Occupational Health Practitioner, says, “This is a quick and simple way to check-in with your wellbeing and to receive clear information about your blood pressure. We look forward to seeing even more colleague take-up this opportunity in September.”

One staff member shared that, one year on, the event has had a tremendous benefit on their life: "Hopefully a lot of staff will take this opportunity up and have it checked, and like myself, get something done about it if it shows a high reading."

Drop-in to a session near you:

Monday, 4 September, 12:00pm-2:00pm – Marine Centre Wales

Tuesday, 5, Wednesday, 6 and Thursday, 7 September, 12:00pm-2:00pm – Management Centre, College Road

Friday, 8 September, 11:00am-2:00pm – Cambrian Building (Rooms 9 -10), Wrexham Campus

Booking is not required.

Facts about blood pressure from Blood Pressure UK:

• High blood pressure has no obvious signs or symptoms. The only way to find out if you have the condition is to have a blood pressure check.
• Untreated high blood pressure is the major risk factor for strokes, heart attacks and heart failure. It is also a major risk factor for kidney disease and dementia.
• A healthy blood pressure is a level of 120/80mmHg or less.
• A blood pressure of 121/81mmHg to 139/89mmHg is on the high side and lifestyle changes such as eating less salt, more fruit and veg and losing weight (if necessary) should be advised.
• If readings are consistently at or above 140/90mmHg, high blood pressure is diagnosed, and action should be taken to lower it by leading a healthier lifestyle, and, if necessary, by taking medication as directed by your doctor.

If you have any queries about Know Your Numbers Week at the university, please contact staffhealthandwellbeing@bangor.ac.uk