Fans' blood pressure to be tested

The Seadogs are teaming up with The Rotary Club of Scarborough at the Flamingo Land Stadium to help raise awareness of high blood pressure and the dangers it poses as one of the biggest risk factors behind suffering a stroke.

With Steve Kittrick's promotion-chasers hosting Colwyn Bay in EVO-STIK League North, the link-up will see supporters offered the opportunity to have free blood pressure tests from 1pm to 6pm at the ground while members of the Rotary Club hand out leaflets and relevant advice, as well as encouraging fans to have their blood pressure checked on the day and by their own medical practitioners.

The Mayor and Mayoress of the Borough of Scarborough are also giving the event the civic seal of approval before kick-off when they join Scarborough chairman Trevor Bull on the pitch to have their blood pressures tested.

The ‘Know Your Blood Pressure’ event is held annually by Rotary and The Stroke Association to help people better understand the link between high blood pressure and stroke, other risk factors and what they can do to reduce their risk of having a stroke. Over half of all strokes can be caused by high blood pressure and it is estimated that over five million people across the UK don’t realise they have the condition.

Scarborough Athletic's chairman Bull said: “We’re delighted to be linking up with the Rotary Club of Scarborough to give our supporters the opportunity to get their blood pressure checked on Saturday. This campaign is important to the football club as several players over the years have suffered strokes at very young ages, including one of our former players Dean Lisles."

He added: "Only last week a Non-League manager in the south of England suffered a stroke during a game. Taking a blood pressure test only takes a moment, and it’s such a simple way to reduce your risk of a stroke.”

Alexis Kolodziej, the Stroke Association's deputy director for policy and influencing, said: “High blood pressure often has no symptoms, and it’s much more common than people think. That’s why we’re urging as many supporters as possible to take a moment and have theirs checked as part of the Rotary Club event at the Scarborough Athletic match on Saturday. A blood pressure check is quick, easy and painless, and it could save your life.”

To find out more about The Know Your Blood Pressure Day visit www.stroke.org.uk/kybp.

Image courtesy of @safc/Twitter

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