Blood pressure testing 'important step' to improving the county's health
More than 3,000 people got checked at last weekend's match at Huish Park
Yeovil Town FC have called community blood pressure testing 'an important step to improve health across the county'.
It's as they teamed up over the weekend with NHS Somerset and Somerset Council in their 'Take the Pressure Off' campaign in their match at Huish Park on Saturday (9 March).
More than 3,200 got checked - including some of the Glovers' management team - and it comes as over half of strokes and heart attacks in Somerset are caused by high blood pressure.
Many people will have no symptoms of the condition, often termed the ‘silent killer’, but it can lead to serious health issues like heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems if left unchecked.
The “Take the Pressure Off” campaign is designed to encourage residents, particularly those aged 40+, to regularly check their blood pressure and take necessary steps towards managing their health.
Keith Weston, Head of Stadium Operations at Yeovil Town said: "It’s great to have partnered with NHS Somerset and Somerset Council to highlight the importance of knowing your blood pressure. Football has the power to bring people together, and we are proud to play our role in supporting the health and wellbeing of our community.
"Ensuring our fans are not only cheering for their favourite team but also taking steps to check their health is a win-win situation. They will be returning at a later date to test the blood pressure of our players and support staff too."
Dr. Solomon Lebese, Cardiovascular Clinical Champion at NHS Somerset, said: "High blood pressure often has no symptoms, making it a hidden danger that can have serious consequences if undetected. Getting out into the community and raising awareness is crucial. Events like these enable us to reach people who might not otherwise check their blood pressure, helping to prevent heart attacks and strokes before they happen."
For more details on the "Take the Pressure Off" campaign and how to get involved, visit this website.