What is your number
May 14, 2014
Queenslanders are being urged to take advantage of a quick and free health check to help identify their risk of stroke.
Know your numbers health checks will be provided at almost 600 pharmacies and community sites across the state this month. The checks include testing blood pressure and reviewing other risk factors including cholesterol, related health conditions, family history and lifestyle.
National Stroke Foundation Acting Chief Executive Officer Rebecca Naylor urged locals to take advantage of the free checks saying everyone should know their blood pressure.
“Stop in when passing by or have a health check while you wait for your script to be filled,” Ms Naylor said.
“Take the time to know your numbers this Know your numbers week, it will only take five minutes, is non-invasive and it may save your life. “
By checking blood pressure and completing a simple questionnaire, pharmacists will be able to help identify people who may be at risk of stroke, heart disease and type-2 diabetes. Those at risk will be referred to their doctor for advice on how to lower their risk and improve their health.
Ms Naylor said ‘Know your numbers’ health checks were designed to help the Queensland community take control of its health.
“One in six people will have a stroke in their lifetime. This could be you, your family, your friends, or your colleagues. It is Australia’s second biggest killer and a leading cause of disability. Shockingly, the majority of strokes are preventable,’’ she said.
“Too many people are unaware of their stroke risk and what steps they can take to reduce that risk.
“The simple things can make a big difference. For individuals making a change to your risk status by not smoking, controlling blood pressure and cholesterol can drastically reduce your risk of stroke.”
In partnership with the Pharmacy Guild of Australia Queensland Branch, pharmacies across the state host free and simple health checks as part of the National Stroke Foundation’s Know your numbers program. Know your numbers aims to increase awareness of the risk of stroke, heart disease and type-2 diabetes.
Find a participating pharmacy near you at Know you numbers Pharmacy finder or phone: 1300 194 196.
Know your numbers health checks will be provided at almost 600 pharmacies and community sites across the state this month. The checks include testing blood pressure and reviewing other risk factors including cholesterol, related health conditions, family history and lifestyle.
National Stroke Foundation Acting Chief Executive Officer Rebecca Naylor urged locals to take advantage of the free checks saying everyone should know their blood pressure.
“Stop in when passing by or have a health check while you wait for your script to be filled,” Ms Naylor said.
“Take the time to know your numbers this Know your numbers week, it will only take five minutes, is non-invasive and it may save your life. “
By checking blood pressure and completing a simple questionnaire, pharmacists will be able to help identify people who may be at risk of stroke, heart disease and type-2 diabetes. Those at risk will be referred to their doctor for advice on how to lower their risk and improve their health.
Ms Naylor said ‘Know your numbers’ health checks were designed to help the Queensland community take control of its health.
“One in six people will have a stroke in their lifetime. This could be you, your family, your friends, or your colleagues. It is Australia’s second biggest killer and a leading cause of disability. Shockingly, the majority of strokes are preventable,’’ she said.
“Too many people are unaware of their stroke risk and what steps they can take to reduce that risk.
“The simple things can make a big difference. For individuals making a change to your risk status by not smoking, controlling blood pressure and cholesterol can drastically reduce your risk of stroke.”
In partnership with the Pharmacy Guild of Australia Queensland Branch, pharmacies across the state host free and simple health checks as part of the National Stroke Foundation’s Know your numbers program. Know your numbers aims to increase awareness of the risk of stroke, heart disease and type-2 diabetes.
Find a participating pharmacy near you at Know you numbers Pharmacy finder or phone: 1300 194 196.