Eliminate high blood pressure and halve the impact of stroke
May 17, 2018
It’s World Hypertension Day and the Stroke Foundation is determined to slash stroke numbers in Australia – with your help.
Australians are being urged to take five minutes out of their day for a potentially life-saving blood pressure check.
Millions of Australians are living with hypertension or high blood pressure, putting themselves at serious and unnecessary risk of stroke.
Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Sharon McGowan said research has shown the number of strokes would be practically cut in half (48 percent) if high blood pressure alone was eliminated.
“The major concern with high blood pressure is many people don’t realise they have it. It has no immediate symptoms, but over time, it damages blood vessels and increases the risk of stroke and heart disease,” Ms McGowan said.
“World Hypertension Day today serves as an important reminder to have a health check and ‘Know Your Numbers’.”
Stroke Foundation and SiSU Wellness conducted more than 520,000 digital health checks throughout 2017, finding 16 percent of participants had high blood pressure putting them at risk of stroke.
A staggering 82 percent of those, found to have high blood pressure, were not aware prior to taking the health check and were referred to their doctor for a further assessment.
Stroke strikes in an instant, attacking the brain. It kills more women than breast cancer and more men than prostate cancer and leaves thousands with an ongoing disability, but stroke is largely preventable by managing blood pressure and living a healthy lifestyle.
Ms McGowan said a simple, non-invasive blood pressure check can help Australians take control of their health.
“Given there will be 56,000 strokes in Australia this year alone, if we can reduce high blood pressure we will have a direct and lasting impact on the rate of stroke in this country,’’ she said.
“I am urging everyone – no matter what age you are – to have a blood pressure check regularly with your GP (General Practitioner), pharmacist or via a digital health check machine.”
World Hypertension Day also kicks off this year’s Australia’s Biggest Blood Pressure Check campaign.
Australia’s Biggest Blood Pressure Check will be bigger than ever, moving from a month long campaign to a comprehensive year-long focus on stroke prevention.
Managing Director of SiSU Wellness Dr Noel Duncan said SiSU Wellness was proud to be partnering with Stroke Foundation to help Australians find out more about their health through its digital health stations.
“The SiSU Wellness Health Stations are easy to use, the checks are free and fast,’’ Dr Duncan said.
“In the same time it takes to scroll through your social media feed you can measure your blood pressure, and learn if you need to take action for a healthier future. You can also track your results over time.”
SiSU Wellness Health Stations are located in Priceline Pharmacy stores, HCF and other selected locations around Australia. Find the free health check nearest you.
Australians are being urged to take five minutes out of their day for a potentially life-saving blood pressure check.
Millions of Australians are living with hypertension or high blood pressure, putting themselves at serious and unnecessary risk of stroke.
Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Sharon McGowan said research has shown the number of strokes would be practically cut in half (48 percent) if high blood pressure alone was eliminated.
“The major concern with high blood pressure is many people don’t realise they have it. It has no immediate symptoms, but over time, it damages blood vessels and increases the risk of stroke and heart disease,” Ms McGowan said.
“World Hypertension Day today serves as an important reminder to have a health check and ‘Know Your Numbers’.”
Stroke Foundation and SiSU Wellness conducted more than 520,000 digital health checks throughout 2017, finding 16 percent of participants had high blood pressure putting them at risk of stroke.
A staggering 82 percent of those, found to have high blood pressure, were not aware prior to taking the health check and were referred to their doctor for a further assessment.
Stroke strikes in an instant, attacking the brain. It kills more women than breast cancer and more men than prostate cancer and leaves thousands with an ongoing disability, but stroke is largely preventable by managing blood pressure and living a healthy lifestyle.
Ms McGowan said a simple, non-invasive blood pressure check can help Australians take control of their health.
“Given there will be 56,000 strokes in Australia this year alone, if we can reduce high blood pressure we will have a direct and lasting impact on the rate of stroke in this country,’’ she said.
“I am urging everyone – no matter what age you are – to have a blood pressure check regularly with your GP (General Practitioner), pharmacist or via a digital health check machine.”
World Hypertension Day also kicks off this year’s Australia’s Biggest Blood Pressure Check campaign.
Australia’s Biggest Blood Pressure Check will be bigger than ever, moving from a month long campaign to a comprehensive year-long focus on stroke prevention.
Managing Director of SiSU Wellness Dr Noel Duncan said SiSU Wellness was proud to be partnering with Stroke Foundation to help Australians find out more about their health through its digital health stations.
“The SiSU Wellness Health Stations are easy to use, the checks are free and fast,’’ Dr Duncan said.
“In the same time it takes to scroll through your social media feed you can measure your blood pressure, and learn if you need to take action for a healthier future. You can also track your results over time.”
SiSU Wellness Health Stations are located in Priceline Pharmacy stores, HCF and other selected locations around Australia. Find the free health check nearest you.