Earlier this week, Watford Football Club’s Community Sports and Education Trust successfully hosted their second ‘Hornets Together’ event at Vicarage Road Stadium, this time with a focus on blood pressure. Alongside Watford FC fans were several local GP practices as free blood pressure checks were offered to help football fans detect their hidden high blood pressure. Hornets’ supporters were able to have a vital health check, talk to doctors and other healthcare staff, get ideas on keeping active, and even have an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the stadium.
Around one in four adults have high blood pressure (hypertension), but only half of those are aware of it. Because high blood pressure doesn’t usually have any obvious symptoms, it is an invisible threat to many. If left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to a heart attack or stroke.
Dr Corina Ciobanu, is a GP in Kings Langley and the ICB’s clinical lead for heart disease. She said:
“Football brings people together, and we’re grateful to Watford Football Club’s Community Trust for helping us to reach out to their supporters with an important health message. It was great to meet so many people on Monday evening who wanted to kick off their journey to better health by ‘knowing their numbers’. Even if you feel fit and strong, high blood pressure has no symptoms and if you don’t tackle it, could lead to you having a heart attack or stroke. Having your blood pressure checked is quick, easy and could save your life.”
Vaughan Wonnacott from St Albans has been a Watford fan since he was a child. He said:
“I came along because I want to do everything I can to stay fit and well. I do lots of exercise, give blood, play sports and have a busy job, but I still want to check to make sure that I’m as fit as I can be, and that if there is anything amiss I catch it early. I didn’t know before I came today that you could get your blood pressure checked at a pharmacy – I’ve learned a few good things tonight. I would 100% encourage other people to do the same.”
Jayne Apps and Evonne Collins are Health Care Assistants at Bridgewater Surgeries in Watford and took blood pressures at the stadium. Evonne said:
“It’s so vital for your health to get your blood pressure checked. You can get it done at your local pharmacy or in your doctor’s surgery. It only takes two minutes, it’s not going to cause any pain or any discomfort and it could be a real game-changer for your health.”
Thomas Hosier leads the Hornets Together project and is Watford Football Club’s Community Sports and Education Trust’s Health and Wellbeing Project Officer (Adults), following the event, Thomas added:
“We are really thankful to NHS Herts and West Essex ICB for taking time out of their evening to come down and deliver free blood pressure checks to our supporters and to deliver a very insightful presentation on the importance of getting your blood pressure checked regularly. The evening went fantastically, and we look forward to working in partnership with the NHS Herts and West Essex ICB at future events”
More than 200 pharmacies across Hertfordshire and west Essex are offering free blood pressure checks for anyone over 40 who hasn’t had their blood pressure taken in the past six months. In May, a new campaign was launched in our area to raise awareness about the hidden dangers of high blood pressure which included posters being displayed across Hertfordshire and west Essex as well as information in local magazines and newsletters, on town centre display screens, buses and bus shelters and online.
People who are Black or South Asian are more likely to be at risk from high blood pressure, so if this applies to you or your family members, please do come forward for a quick, free and painless check.
Information about where to get a blood pressure check, how to understand what the numbers mean if you use a blood pressure monitor at home, plus advice on how to make healthy changes to your lifestyle can be found on the ICB’s new website: hertsandwestessex.ics.nhs.uk/bp
As mentioned, this event was part of Hornets Together, a new initiative that brings monthly face-to-face sessions to Watford FC fans to improve their mental and physical health. To find out more visit https://www.watfordfccsetrust.com/project/hornets-together/ or contact Thomas.hosier@watfordfc.com
