AN assembly member will be at three Carmarthenshire locations this week week urging people to get free blood pressure tests as part of a campaign get 1,000 people tested during the summer to help prevent stroke.
Stroke is the UK’s third biggest killer and it is estimated that nearly a quarter of the population are unknowingly suffering from undiagnosed high blood pressure - the single biggest risk factor for stroke.
The assembly member for mid and west Wales is running the blood pressure campaign with a series of testing days across her constituency including locations in Carmarthenshire. Joyce is working in conjunction with the Stroke Association and Community Pharmacy Wales, which represents local pharmacists across the country. As well as free blood pressure checks, staff will offer advice on stroke and its prevention to people of all ages
The Carmarthen Journal is backing the campaign. A session was held in the reception area of the offices in King Street this Monday followed by a session in the Bethel Centre in Johnstown.
Joyce will be at the Occupational Health building of Carmarthenshire County Council in St David's Park on Wednesday July 29 testing members of staff between 10am and midday. On Sunday (August 2) there will be a session at the National Botanic Gardens between 11am and 1pm in the Stable Block Courtyard.
On Monday (August 3), she will be at Walter Lloyd and Son Pharmacy in Lammas Street, Carmarthen between 11.30am and 12.30pm.
Joyce said: "I would again urge people to get their blood pressure tested. Strokes can affect anyone - a quarter of all strokes occur in people of working age."
For more information contact Joyce Watson's office on 02920 898972.
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