Medway Council urge fathers to test blood pressure
This month is 'Measure Your Pressure' month across the area.
This weekend Medway Council are encouraging fathers to check their blood pressure as part of 'Measure Your Pressure' Month.
Speaking to Greatest Hits and Hits Radio Kent, Deputy Leader of the Council and portfolio holder for Health and Adult Services Councillor Theresa Murray said:
"It's a really good time of year to think about your health, especially if you're thinking about going on a holiday or thinking about going abroad and want to be as safe and well as possible.
"As you know, it's Father's Day on Sunday and we're saying, 'come on, dads, you love your family, they love you, make sure you're okay'.
"On a serious note, blood pressure is a silent killer.
"It can get quite bad before you notice you've got it.
"So once you get into your 40s, getting it checked regularly is a really sensible thing to do, especially if there's a family history of blood pressure, because controlling your blood pressure is absolutely one of the best ways to prevent heart attacks and strokes."
Edward Banjo
Edward, who has lived in Medway for four years, recently had his NHS Health Check – a free service commissioned and delivered by Medway Council to help residents understand and manage their health.
Although he regularly exercises, his results showed that his systolic blood pressure – the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats – was higher than normal.
It can be caused by the stiffening and loss of elasticity in your arteries as you age and can result in a higher risk of stroke, heart disease, dementia and chronic kidney disease.
Edward said:
“We need to dispel this narrative that only people who suspect something is going on in their body need a test. Everyone should go for a test, even if you think you’re fine.
“The systolic was a bit higher than was expected, and I was recommended to go for a test at my surgery. I’m going just in case there might be some medical follow-up.”
High blood pressure does not usually cause any symptoms, and nationally, it is estimated that roughly one in three adults has high blood pressure.
Therefore, the authority is encouraging residents – even if they don’t think they have a problem – to utilise the offer of a free test.
Edward said the process was quick and easy and meant he can be conscious of how he can live as healthily as possible.
He continued:
“It has been well worth it. Just a fraction of my time in one day was spent, and I came out with lots of knowledge about myself and got some tips as well.
“I know the things to continue as far as my lifestyle is concerned, and the things I need to change and improve on.
“I’ve been drinking more water since then and been more intentional about my rest time.
“I would say to other dads who are perhaps putting this off, the question is why not do it if the opportunity presents itself?
“I decided to get the health check because the opportunity presented itself. It’s empowering to know what’s going on in your body, to know your vitals, so I just thought why not give it a go.”
Blood pressure dangers in men
On the topic of why fathers, Cllr Murray added:
"Men are less likely to follow up on a worry, you know, or something that has changed in a timely way than women.
"For older men, they find it difficult to talk about their health, some of them.
"So we're very mindful of that.
"In our team, there are men and women. So if a guy comes along, he would prefer to see another man, we can facilitate that, do the same for women.
"And it's just about making it easy to have those conversations. It's not a sign of weakness, it's a sign of strength if you're looking after yourself.
"As I said, we've chosen Father's Day because everyone loves their dad and you're going to be made a bit of a fuss off.
"My husband got a card this morning from one of our daughters who lives in Wales. He was really pleased that she'd remembered. And you know, if you feel loved, then it's important to stick around for your family as long as you can and be healthy so you can help and support them."
Where to get your blood pressure tested
Throughout June, the authority are also holding blood pressure check drop-in sessions across the area.
When asked who was eligible for the checks, Cllr Murray said:
"Anyone between the age of 40 and 74 who doesn't have an existing cardiovascular condition.
"So there's a bit of a limit, but that's a wide number of people can go along and get a free health check either at our health hub, which we've got in Railway Street in Chatham.
"Or our team go all about the place.
"So you'll often see us at fairs. They'll be at Armed Forces Day, for example. And lots of pharmacies offer free blood pressure checks as well.
"And in Rochester, and actually more widely across Medway, we've just got a mobile unit that's going into all sorts of places run by one of our local pharmacies, Carson's Pharmacy.
"So, you know, there's more than one choice.
"And what this campaign is about is making sure that people know that they can go along, see a friendly face who knows what they're doing. And if there's a problem, the health checker will automatically alert your GP and your GP will give you an appointment.
"And as well as that, you know, if your blood pressure's looking a little bit high and we want you to be careful, we can help with advice and ideas on things that you can do to make sure it doesn't get any higher or get any worse."
NHS Health Checks are available for anyone aged between 40 and 74-years-old who does not have any pre-existing cardiovascular conditions.