Mike McRoberts urges shoppers to drop the pressure

Stroke Foundation media release 2 October 2013

Mike McRoberts urges shoppers to drop the pressure

Mike McRoberts from 3News is lending a hand to launch the Stroke Foundation’s 2013 blood pressure awareness campaign having his pressure tested by a St John paramedic at Victoria Park New World in Auckland this morning.

Shoppers at New World and PAK’nSAVE supermarkets will be offered free blood pressure tests this Saturday (5 October) and Mike McRoberts is stepping forward to show how easy and important it is.

“A blood pressure check is so simple, but it could end up saving our lives. Most people with high blood pressure have no idea there’s anything wrong.  A quick painless check can alert you to a condition which is the single biggest risk factor for stroke,” says Mike.

St John volunteers assisted by Rotary will offer the checks on Saturday and it is expected that more people than ever before will receive a free check in what is the Stroke Foundation’s fifth annual blood pressure awareness day.

The majority of New World and PAK’nSAVE supermarkets throughout New Zealand are taking part, last year’s record of 20,000 shoppers tested or given information looks set to be broken. The free tests are available on Saturday 5 October between 10am and 2pm.

Stroke Foundation Northern Region manager Don Scandrett says: “We are aiming to get an important message about blood pressure over to more people than ever before with the help of our volunteer partners. The big thing is to know what your blood pressure should be, have it checked regularly, and remember that the lower your blood pressure the less likely you are to have a stroke.”

Foodstuffs New Zealand Managing Director Steve Anderson says we’re really pleased to be able to do our part in helping the Stroke Foundation to raise awareness of the link between high blood pressure and stroke. “Being 100 percent New Zealand owned and operated, each of our stores is an integral part of their local community. That’s why we’re calling on Kiwis to pop down to their local New World or PAK’nSAVE store this Saturday for a free, fast, and painless blood pressure check,” says Anderson.

St John spokesman Simon Barnett says “So often we are dealing with the aftermath of a medical issue compounded by preventable factors such as high-blood pressure, so it’s great to be able to help New Zealanders understand the positives of early recognition, regular check-ups and healthy living.”

Kevin Stratton, Rotary’s national campaign coordinator said: “Rotary works for the community and part of that is helping show people how to stay healthy, so we’d really encourage everyone to come along on Saturday for a free test.”

Information about blood pressure and other risk factors for stroke will be provided during the check, and people with raised blood pressure will be referred to their GPs for medical advice or treatment.

There are a number of things people can do to keep their blood pressure at a healthy level. Although medication may be necessary for some people, most of us can keep our blood pressure down by eating healthily and exercising regularly. Most of us eat too much salt which is a major contributor to high blood pressure, as well as being overweight, or smoking or drinking too much alcohol.

To find their nearest participating supermarket or other venue shoppers can go to www.stroke.org.nz.

ENDS

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