Press Release from RIBI

April 2003

RECORD NUMBER OF BLOOD PRESSURE CHECKS IN ONE DAY!

Rotary Clubs in Great Britain and Ireland organized a record number of free blood pressure checks on Saturday April 5th , in communities throughout the country. More than 130,000 people had their blood pressure taken by qualified medical staff, courtesy of Rotary International in support of The Stroke Association. President Tony de St Dalmas made the announcement at the RIBI annual conference in Blackpool. Stroke is one of the biggest causes of death and severe adult disability in England and Wales

The aim was to ensure as many people as possible were given the opportunity to have their blood pressure checked and for them to consider whether they wished to seek further medical advice and make any necessary lifestyle changes. Members of the public who had their blood pressure taken were given a card for them to take to their GP , if necessary, to discuss its implications with them. GP's and Health Visitors were advised of this stroke awareness initiative and warned of a possible increase of interest in blood pressure.

In Bristol, for example, of those tested 25% had problems of which they were unaware. Two people were shown to have dangerously high blood pressure and were referred to an emergency health clinic. After visiting the Health Centre and obtaining medication one lady came back to thank the Rotarians saying 'I must thank Rotary, you have saved my life.'

Tony de St Dalmas, President Rotary International in Great Britain & Ireland comments 'I am delighted at the success of the Stroke Awareness Day and would like to thank the nurses and doctors who supported Rotary Clubs to make this day possible. 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.

He added: "I believe that awareness and prevention are vital and this initiative struck a chord with the general public. As the condition is usually symptomless, people think they don't need to be checked. By making blood pressure checks easily available, we hope that this has helped to reduce the chances of people suffering a stroke."

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 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 our 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.

The Stroke Association is the country's leading charity solely concerned with stroke, across all ages. 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.