RESIDENTS were urged to know their blood pressure at a recent event.

To try to raise awareness of the risk factors that can lead to strokes Rotary clubs, supported by the Stroke Association, run Know Your Blood Pressure days around the country each year.

On a cloudy Saturday May 12 on the green at Bourton-on-the-Water, North Cotswolds Rotary Club provided free blood pressure checks for members of the public.

A total of 70 people took advantage of this opportunity, and of these, most went away reassured that their blood pressure was within normal limits.

However, eleven were advised to make appointments with their doctors to have their blood pressure reviewed and monitored.

Leading a team of doctors and former nurses carrying out checks on the green, Dr Gina Hadley said: ‘‘As a doctor that looks after stroke patients I feel it is important to raise awareness about how people can reduce their risk of

developing this devastating condition”.

Dr Hadley is a specialist registrar in geriatrics currently working at Stoke Mandeville Hospital. Previously she also worked in the Acute Stroke Unit at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford.

Treating high blood pressure is an important way in which strokes can be prevented. Many people have no symptoms associated with high blood pressure. ‘Know your blood pressure’ can identify people who might not have been to their GP for a while and might require follow up.

Club president Peter Boxall said: “This is all part of rotary’s service in the community”, said Peter, “and new members are always very welcome.”

For further information, contact www.NorthCotswoldsRotary.org.uk