Press Release from RIBI

December 2002

Blood Pressure Check Day April 5th 2003 attempts record

Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland is planning a Blood Pressure Check Day on Saturday April 5th, 2003 in support of the UK's leading charity, The Stroke Association. Rotary Clubs are organizing free blood pressure checks in their communities by qualified medical staff. It is hoped that a record number of blood pressure readings will be taken on this day. These will be arranged in church halls, community centres and other suitable locations.

The aim is to ensure as many people as possible are given the opportunity to have their blood pressure checked and therefore be aware of any potentially lifesaving lifestyle changes they may need to make. Members of the public who have had their blood pressure taken will be given a card for them to take to their GP so that they are able to discuss its implications and, if necessary, plan follow-up readings. GP's and Health Visitors are being advised of the initiative and warned of a possible increase of interest in blood pressure to increase awareness of the killer condition and to raise funds for prevention and research . Stroke is the single main cause of severe adult disability in the United Kingdom and one of the biggest causes of death in this country.

Every year, over 130,000 people in the UK suffer strokes for the first time - about 10,000 of them are under retirement age of 55. Of these, nearly 700 people a week will die. Some factors that increase the risk of suffering a stroke such as ageing cannot be changed, however, other factors, which result from a person's lifestyle such as high salt consumption can be more easily addressed. Controlling high blood pressure is vital. It is estimated that four out of 10 deaths due to stroke could have been prevented if high blood pressure had been diagnosed and properly controlled.

Almost one in four men and nearly one in five women aged 45 can expect to have a stroke if they live to 85. Statistics show that the chances of having a further stroke in the first year are between one in six and one in ten. About a third of major strokes are fatal, a third result in some disability and a third have no lasting ill effects.

Tony de St Dalmas, President Rotary International in Great Britain & Ireland comments' Rotarians believe that stroke is a major issue for our communities and costs too many people their lives, too many families and carers great suffering and hardship and costs the national health service billions of pounds every year. I believe that awareness and prevention is vital and I am delighted to have the support of Rotary clubs throughout the country to organise the Blood Pressure Day.'

John Thorogood from The Stroke Association says: "High blood pressure is a serious condition and someone with high blood pressure is six times more likely to have a stroke than someone of the same age with normal blood pressure. As the condition is usually symptomless, people think they don't need to be checked. By taking blood pressure checks out to people, through Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland, we hope that more people will get their blood pressure taken and that this ultimately will help to reduce the chances of people suffering a stroke."

The Stroke Association is the country's leading charity solely concerned with stroke. The charity provides support to people who have had strokes, their families and carers. The Stroke Association campaigns, educates, and informs to increase knowledge of stroke at all levels of society.

Ends

Further Details

Issued on behalf of Robin Freeman Secretary Rotary International in Great Britain & Ireland Telephone 01789 765411 www.rotary-ribi.org

For further details about this press release, please call Judith Diment, on: 01628 672965 or 07860162313 Fax 01223 307970 Email: judithdiment@aol.com or call Julia Clements, Press Officer, The Stroke Association on: Telephone: 020 7566 0328 Fax: 020 7490 3073 Email: jclements@stroke.org.uk Alternatively visit the web site www.stroke.org.uk

Notes to editors:

1. Rotary is an organisation of business and professional persons united worldwide, who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations and help to build goodwill and peace in the world. Members carry out this work in their own community and/or overseas by giving their time and their expertise. A Rotary Club is open to men and women who are business, professional or community leaders who want to use their experience for the benefit of others.

2. For general information on Rotary in your area, contact the local Rotary Club President, details from Robin Freeman, Secretary Rotary International in Great Britain & Ireland: 01789 765411

3. When a stroke occurs, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or destroyed. It takes place either when a blood clot forms in a damaged vessel and blocks the flow of blood to the brain or, when a damaged vessel in the brain bursts. Every year 10,000 people under the age of 55 suffer a stroke.

Stroke is the single biggest cause of serious disability with a total of 300,000 people affected at any one time.