ROTARY CLUB OF GREENWICH IN POTENTIAL LIFE SAVING EXERCISE (From News Shopper)

ROTARY CLUB OF GREENWICH IN POTENTIAL LIFE SAVING EXERCISE

11:49am Friday 30th April 2010 in Greenwich By John Furlonger - community correspondent

At about this time of the year, as in several years past, Greenwich Rotary Club gets together with the nationwide effort on STROKE AWARENESS DAY - to raise public awareness of the dangers of untreated high blood pressure.

The general idea is that club members give up their time over a weekend, set up a blood pressure testing station and try to encourage willing members of the public to come forward for a free blood pressure test by our attendant trained nurses. To encouraging words of, “It doesn’t hurt! – It’s free! – It’s quick and it may save your life!” - it is surprising and at the same time gratifying that shoppers at the magnificent Makro Self Service Wholesalers store in Charlton found time from their busy schedules to get themselves tested. The clubs' volunteers time at Makro this year was time very well spent. Of 154 who came forward for the free test, 21 were found to have a very high-pressure reading and referred to their GP, with 5 of such a high reading that they were advised to immediately contact their GP. The young, not so young and children, encouraged by their parents, all joined in the experience, going away with hopefully a little more peace of mind.

The Greenwich Club Rotarians enjoyed themselves immensely. It is always good to stop and find some time to chat with all kinds of people and its good fun! Talking is always the pathway to better mutual understanding. It is surprising the similarity of everyday problems between us all. The Rotary movement is all about spreading mutual peace and understanding – in helping all of fellow man.

The clubs' volunteers look forward to next year’s STROKE AWARENESS DAY. But don’t wait until then to get yourself tested – go and see your G.P. It may save your life!