“The week-long Know your numbers program provides free blood pressure checks at over 500 local blood pressure stations throughout Queensland and Victoria,” he said.

“The program has also established permanent pressure station sites in Queensland pharmacies, and there are now over 200 pharmacies who offer free blood pressure checks throughout the year.

“In 2009, more than 8,000 Queenslanders had their blood pressure taken at 334 blood pressure stations around the state.

“Know your numbers is supported by Queensland Health as part of the State Government’s Toward Q2: Tomorrow’s Queensland commitment to making Queenslanders Australia’s healthiest people by 2020,” he said.

Mr Wettenhall said identifying high blood pressure is important in reducing the incidence of stroke.

“High blood pressure can result in damage to blood vessel walls, eventually leading to a stroke,” he said.

“I encourage all Barron River residents to stop at a local blood pressure station for a free, quick, painless test that could help to prevent a stroke.

“There will be a blood pressure station at Amcal Marlin Coast Pharmacy and Kuranda Pharmacy from 17 to 23 May, and there is a permanent pressure station at Kewarra Beach Pharmacy and Calanna Pharmacy North Cairns.

“The Know your numbers program is a great way for people to be more proactive in managing their health.

“By finding out whether you have high, normal or low blood pressure, you can take steps to control it.

“This could be through a change of diet and lifestyle – particularly through regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight – or your doctor may prescribe medication.

“This year 60,000 Australians will suffer new and recurrent strokes - that’s one stroke every ten minutes.

“As you get older, your risk of stroke increases so Know your numbers primarily targets men and women aged 50 years and over.

“The secondary target group of the campaign is adults 25 years and over – however, all adults should take the necessary steps to reduce their chances of having a stroke by quitting smoking, limiting alcohol, eating healthily and being physically active,” he said.  

To find other sites around FNQ providing free checks go to: http://www.strokefoundation.com.au/pressure-station-location-finder

ENDS