AN Amman Valley pharmacy has joined a national campaign to help ease confusion over blood pressure readings.
Pharmacist Andrew Jones and staff at Aman Pharmacy at 70 Cwmaman Road, Glanaman, were parading a giant lollipop school sign this week in a bid to get passing motorists to stop and get their blood pressure checked.
Mr Jones said too many people thought being overweight was the only risk of developing the cardiovascular disease that is the UK's biggest silent killer.
"But that is not the case," he said. "Unhealthy diet and not taking enough exercise can also be major reasons for the high blood pressure that is the disease's most common cause.
"About one in ten has a high reading, but it can be brought down by following a healthy lifestyle that includes eating five portions of fruit and veg a day and taking regular exercise."
Campaign organisers Blood Pressure UK said regular tests were the only way to detect high blood pressure because usually there were no signs or symptoms.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here