Press Release from RIBI

September 2003

GUINNESS WORLD RECORD FOR BLOOD PRESSURE READINGS

GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS has confirmed that Rotary International in Great Britain & Ireland and The Stroke Association have been successful in setting a new Guinness World Record for the number of blood pressure readings taken in one day. The official announcement coincides with the start of National Blood Pressure Testing Week and comes two weeks before The Stroke Association’s annual Stroke Awareness Week which starts on Monday 29 September.

On Saturday April 5th, The Stroke Association and Rotary Clubs in Great Britain and Ireland organised blood pressure readings for 127,573 people, at over 1,000 sites, across the United Kingdom and Ireland. The blood pressure readings were taken by qualified medical staff, and everyone who had their blood pressure taken was given a card with the reading on to take along to their GP if necessary. Stroke is one of the biggest causes of death and severe adult disability in the UK.

“The aim was to ensure as many people as possible were given the opportunity to have their blood pressure checked and be made aware of any necessary lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet,” says Jerry Doyle, Director of Public Relations, at The Stroke Association.

“Uncontrolled high blood pressure is the number one cause of avoidable strokes. For every 10 people who die of strokes, four could have been saved if they had arranged regular blood pressure checks and then followed medical advice. It is fantastic that so many people came along and had their reading taken as there is no clear way of knowing when your blood pressure is rising, apart from having it measured.”

Tony de St Dalmas, Past President Rotary International in Great Britain & Ireland comments ‘I am delighted at the success of the Stroke Awareness Day and the recognition of a world record by Guinness World Records. I 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. 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. Following on from this success Rotary and The Stroke Association will be organizing another Blood Pressure Testing Day next year."

The Stroke Association’s Stroke Awareness Week begins on Monday 29 September. During the week the charity will be encouraging people to Eat a Rainbow to Beat a Stroke. Individuals who were unable to have their blood pressure taken in April during the Rotary Stroke Awareness day will have the opportunity to have it taken during the week.

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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

For more information about Stroke Awareness Week, The Stroke Association or to interview case histories call Julia Clements, Press Officer, The Stroke Association on: Telephone: 020 7566 0328 Fax: 020 7490 3073Email: jclements@stroke.org.uk

Alternatively visit The Stroke Association’s 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.

4. Eat a Rainbow – Beat a Stroke is the theme for Stroke Awareness Week which runs from Monday 29, September to Sunday, 5 October. For more information about the week or to find out where the blood pressure testing stand will be telephone Julia Clements on 020 7566 0328.