Did you know that over 6 million people in the UK have high blood pressure without even knowing it? This silent condition, known as hypertension, can lead to serious health issues such as heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease. The good news is that with proper awareness and proactive measures, hypertension is preventable and manageable.
At Acorn Occupational Health, we are committed to helping employers and employees across the UK understand the importance of blood pressure awareness. Our comprehensive Blood Pressure Awareness training is designed to educate and inform individuals on how to take charge of their health.
Why Blood Pressure Awareness Matters
High blood pressure often goes unnoticed because it doesn’t always present obvious symptoms. However, the impact of unmanaged hypertension is significant:
- Increased Risk of Heart Attacks and Strokes: Every day, 350 preventable heart attacks or strokes occur in the UK due to high blood pressure.
- Strain on the Heart and Blood Vessels: Elevated blood pressure puts extra strain on your heart and blood vessels, leading to long-term damage.
- Potential for Severe Health Issues: If left unchecked, hypertension can lead to heart disease, kidney disease, as well as some forms of dementia.
Understanding these risks is the first step in preventing them. By knowing your blood pressure numbers and taking appropriate action, you can significantly reduce your risk of serious health problems.
At Acorn Occupational Health, our mission is to promote a healthier workplace through education and proactive health measures. Our Blood Pressure Awareness training is a vital part of this mission. Here’s what our training includes:
- Regular Check-Ups:
- We encourage regular blood pressure check-ups to help individuals become familiar with their blood pressure status. Understanding whether your readings fall within the normal, pre-high, or high range is crucial for taking timely action.
- Comprehensive Health Checks:
- Along with blood pressure checks, our ‘Know Your Numbers Days’ include cholesterol and glucose checks. These comprehensive assessments provide a fuller picture of your health, helping to identify other potential risk factors.
- Personalised Lifestyle Advice:
- Following our assessments, we offer personalised lifestyle advice tailored to each individual’s health needs. From dietary recommendations to exercise plans, our advice is practical and easy to follow.
- Detailed Health Statistics:
- Following our visit, we provide anonymised health statistics for businesses. This includes information such as the percentage of employees with high blood pressure, normal blood pressure, and high cholesterol. These insights help employers understand the overall health of their workforce and identify areas for improvement.
Understanding Blood Pressure Readings
Blood pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg) and is written as two numbers, such as 120/80mmHg. Here’s what these numbers mean:
- 120/80mmHg or lower: Ideal blood pressure. This is considered a healthy reading with a lower risk of heart disease and stroke.
- 120/80mmHg to 140/90mmHg: Pre-high blood pressure, or high-normal blood pressure. While not yet classified as hypertension, this range indicates a higher risk of developing high blood pressure.
- 140/90mmHg or higher: High blood pressure. This is the threshold where the risk of serious health problems increases. Medical intervention and lifestyle changes are recommended to lower blood pressure.
Taking Action to Improve Your Blood Pressure
There are simple, effective steps you can take to improve your blood pressure and overall health:
- Get Active
- Maintain a Healthy Weight
- Eat a Balanced Diet
- Quit Smoking
- Limit Alcohol Intake
It’s more important than ever to be aware of and support your employees’ health. By working with Acorn Occupational Health, you can ensure you’re taking proactive steps to improve your workforce’s well-being.
Let’s work together to create a healthier, happier workplace. Contact us at 01260 277797 or email us on website@acornoh.co.uk.