Bundaberg residents are being encouraged to reduce their stroke risk by participating in a free, quick and potentially life-saving health check.

Friendly Society Pharmacy offers free health checks, including blood pressure and blood glucose testing.

Friendly Society Pharmacy head pharmacist Jason Vizgoft said the fast and simple blood pressure checks along with a cardiovascular and diabetes risk assessments could help identify those at risk of stroke.

“High blood pressure is among the most important known risk factors for stroke, causing damage to blood vessel walls, which may eventually lead to a stroke,” Jason said.

“More than 802,000 Queenslanders are living with high blood pressure and many don’t know it. The only way to know your blood pressure is to have it checked – high blood pressure is known as a ‘silent killer’ for a reason.

“Anyone is welcome, anytime, to stop into Friendly Society Pharmacy for a free health check. It will only take five minutes and could save your life.”

Jason said blood pressure checks will help people understand if they are at risk of stroke and what to do to reduce that risk. It will also help people understand their risk of other, associated diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.

“Too many Australians are unaware of their stroke risk and what they can do to manage it. With stroke it is the simple things that can make a difference – control your blood pressure, don’t smoke, exercise, maintain a healthy diet and regularly consult with your health professional to reduce your risk of stroke,” he said.