Bunnings Warehouse stores across NSW will begin trialling free blood pressure checks in store over the next 12 months.
The free tests are part of a research study run by The George Institute, the University of NSW and SiSU Health. The tests are available to anyone, but Bunnings stores were specifically chosen to target men, who are less likely to go see a doctor.
The health check kiosks will be set up in a discreet area of the store and ask customers will be asked questions about their age, lifestyle and family history before taking their blood pressure and measuring their weight and heart rate.
Participants are notified of high blood pressure readings and advised about options to improve their BP, including seeing a GP and making lifestyle changes.
Elevated blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is sometimes called the ‘silent killer’ as it often doesn’t display any symptoms, but is responsible for:
• 43 per cent of coronary heart disease
• 41 per cent of stroke
• 65 per cent of the burden of hypertensive heart disease
• 38 per cent of chronic kidney disease
• 32 per cent of atrial fibrillation and flutter and
• 6 per cent of dementia
So, if you (or some of the men in your life) could do with getting their blood pressure checked, maybe see if you can convince them to go to Bunnings. Just make sure to do the test before hitting up the sausage sizzle.
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