High blood pressure often has no warning signs but is a leading preventable cause of heart attacks, strokes and kidney disease.
As part of the national Know Your Numbers awareness week, Middlesbrough Council and Public Health South Tees are promoting the growing community testing programme around the town.
The programme was launched last year with testing kiosks and mobile units available at different venues. Over 25% of the checks completed so far have found people with high BP readings and have been referred to their GPs.
People with high readings can be referred for specialist help from their GP and a recent session at the Al Madina Mosque highlighted the importance of the checks.
Altaf Hussain recorded high readings and was prescribed medication after a GP appointment. He has now made lifestyle changes including cutting out salt and sugar and going on long daily walks.
He said: “I am really grateful that the mobile kiosk was brought to the mosque. I've not had my blood pressure checked in recent years, and if it weren’t for this opportunity, my high blood pressure could have gone unnoticed and caused serious harm to my health.”
Mark Adams, Joint Director of Public Health, said: “Many people may feel completely healthy, but having your blood pressure checked can be a crucial first step towards a healthier life. We are committed to reaching local communities where they are, so that everyone knows their numbers and what
to do next.”
Idrees Rashid, director of CVFM Radio, helped arranged the mosque sessions and will host more drop-ins at the BME Network this week.
He said: “We know that people sometimes put off getting their blood pressure checked, so by creating a friendly welcoming space in the community we make it easy to drop in, enjoy a free cup of tea or coffee and get checked. It only takes a few minutes but could make a huge difference to your health.”
The blood pressure kiosks pilot is funded by the NHS North East North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB).
Dr Saira Malik, the ICB’s cardiovascular disease clinical lead, said: “By embedding screening into everyday community settings, we can improve awareness, empower individuals to take charge of their heart health, and strengthen links to clinical assessments and care. This approach helps reduce health inequalities.”
For full details on the venues offering testing visit Blood pressure testing | Middlesbrough Council.
Extra sessions take place this week as follows:
BME Network, 169 Victoria Road, TS1 3HR
Monday 8 September – 10.30am until 1.30pm.
Tuesday 9 September – 1.30pm until 4.30pm.
Wednesday 10 September – 10.30am until 1.30pm.
Thursday 11 September – 1.30pm until 4.30pm.
Elmstone Community Gardens, Hemlington, TS8 9EL
Thursday 11 September – 10.30am until 11.30am.
Live Well Centre, Albert Road, Middlesbrough, TS1 2PA
Monday 8 th September – 12pm until 3pm.
Friday 12 th September – 10am until 1pm.
Marton Community Club, Cypress Road, Marton, TS7 8PZ
Friday 12 September – 12pm until 3pm.
Streets Ahead, Parliament Road, Newport, TS1 4JE
Wednesday 11 September – 11am until 3pm.
