As part of our partnership with North East Lincolnshire council on their public health initiative, Know Your Numbers Week, Mariners supporters will have the opportunity to have their blood pressure checked ahead of tomorrow’s game against Cambridge United at Blundell Park.
About one-in-three adults in the UK has high blood pressure and in England around 4.2 million adults are thought to have it without knowing. Closer to home, around 10,000 local people may be living with undiagnosed high blood pressure, enough to fill Blundell Park to the rafters. High blood pressure is the single biggest preventable cause of heart attacks and strokes. A quick check can be a lifesaver.
North East Lincolnshire Council’s Wellbeing Service, Thrive workers, and the Stroke Association will be at Blundell Park tomorrow offering the free checks. The checks only take a couple of minutes and just involve putting on an inflatable armband.
Supporters who are interested in having their blood pressure checked will need to go to the Ramsden’s Home Interiors Stand car park between 1pm and 2:30pm – the checks will take place in a dedicated room that will be well signposted from the car park.
If you want to check after the game
1. Ask your local pharmacy about the NHS Blood Pressure Check service. Many offer it there and then.
2. British Heart Foundation Heart Helpline Speak to a cardiac nurse on 0808 802 1234 or visit bhf.org.uk/heart-helpline Monday to Friday.
3. Need clinical advice Use NHS 111 online or by phone. If you have chest pain, signs of stroke, severe breathlessness or collapse, call 999 immediately.
Five tips from Know Your Numbers Week
1. Cut down on salt
Skip adding salt at the table, check food labels, and choose fewer processed foods. Your taste buds adjust quickly.
2. Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables
Aim for at least five a day. Add fruit to breakfast and try to fill half your plate with veg at main meals.
3. Watch your weight
Small, steady weight loss can bring blood pressure down. Plan regular meals, watch portion size, and seek support if you need it.
4. Exercise regularly
Build up to at least 150 minutes of moderate activity each week. Aim for about 7,000 steps a day as a simple target. Brisk walks to and from the ground count, as do cycles and climbing the stands.
5. Drink alcohol in moderation
Stay within 14 units a week for adults and include several alcohol free days. Swap to smaller measures or lower strength drinks.
So, no pressure, but why don’t you join them and have yourself checked out while your at the game? It only takes a minute and it could be a lifesaver. If anything is spotted, the expert team on the screening stations will be able to guide you to where to get help. It’s quick, free and completely anonymous.
UTM