Take control of your health and join the Know Your Numbers week campaign

West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership (WY HCP) is proud to support the ‘Know Your Numbers’ week campaign, running from 2-8 September. The initiative, led by Blood Pressure UK, carries the  theme, ‘You have the power’ and aims to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining healthy blood pressure levels and preventing heart disease.

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular conditions. Despite its prevalence, many people are unaware of their blood pressure status and the associated health risks of uncontrolled hypertension.

‘Know Your Numbers’ week aims to close this knowledge gap by providing information and advice on home blood pressure monitoring and other preventive measures. In West Yorkshire, around 600,000 people live with high blood pressure, yet it is estimated that only half are aware of their condition, leaving the rest undiagnosed.

WY HCP is collaborating with various partners to amplify the ‘Know Your Numbers’ message, including the Yorkshire and Humber Academic Health Science Network, The University of Huddersfield, local rugby clubs and communities most at risk.

Emily Turner, Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) Prevention Clinical Lead for WY HCP said:

“Helping people to understand and control their blood pressure is one of the most important things we can do to support people to live longer, healthier lives. Encouraging people to ‘know their numbers’ is a simple way to improve the health of everyone in West Yorkshire.

“If you have high blood pressure and take medication, make sure it stays around 135/85 through regular checks. If it’s higher, please see your GP as soon as possible to discuss options and reduce your risk of heart attacks and strokes.”

During the week there are free blood pressure drop-in checking stations to support both staff and people living in the region. This includes: 

Thursday, 5 September, 12 till 2 at The Ridings shopping centre in Wakefield, part of the Healthy Hearts Community Hub session supported by Trinity Primary Care Network

Wednesday 4 September - Elsie Whiteley Centre, Hopwood Lane, HX1 5ER Halifax will have a blood pressure stand in the foyer all day from 8 in the morning

Wednesday, 4 September, from 10 till 1, Leeds City Council staff can get their blood pressure checked at Merrion House in Leeds

Calderdale Better Living Service is launching a new offer delivering blood pressure checks

You can also find a community pharmacy that offers free blood pressure checks

If you are invited to attend your NHS health check you can also get your blood pressure checked at the same time

Emily added:

“Together, we can work towards reducing the prevalence of hypertension and its associated complications, ultimately leading to healthier and happier lives.”

For more information about the campaign and upcoming events, please visit Blood Pressure UK.