Free blood pressure checks with Menzies

This May, the Menzies Institute for Medical Research is proud to participate in the global May Measurement Month (MMM) initiative, a worldwide public health campaign aimed at increasing awareness of high blood pressure and its implications.

On Friday 17 May, which is World Hypertension Day, Menzies in collaboration with the School of Nursing, will be doing blood pressure measurements across Tasmania.  Look out for sites in Burnie, Devonport, Kings Meadows, Riverside, Kingston, Sorell, Mornington, Claremont and Hobart.  Further details of exact locations will be made available on the Menzies Facebook page and other advertising closer to the date.

Anyone is invited to call in at one of the testing locations on 17 May.  Raised blood pressure, or hypertension, is the single biggest risk factor responsible for mortality worldwide. As the condition has no noticeable symptoms, blood pressure measurement is the only accurate way of identifying hypertension.

Having blood pressure measured only takes a few minutes. Participation in this community-based measurement program will help raise awareness of high blood pressure across Tasmania and help people understand their own blood pressure. It will also enable Menzies to get data on the levels of blood pressure across Tasmania. The data collected (anonymously) will also be included in the international MMM program. The data will then be used to make better programs and policies to reduce high blood pressure in Tasmania, Australia and globally.

For further information, contact CVFlagship.Menzies@utas.edu.au