Tesco stores across Northern Ireland, including Ballymena, are set to play a pivotal role in raising awareness and funds for stroke prevention on World Stroke Day tomorrow, Tuesday, October 29th.
The initiative, supported by the Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke (NICHS), aims to highlight the importance of stroke rehabilitation and prevention through community engagement and health checks.
Bucket Collections for Stroke Rehab
In a concerted effort to support stroke survivors, volunteers from NICHS will be stationed at 15 Tesco locations throughout Northern Ireland. They will be collecting donations for the Post-Rehabilitation Exercise Programme (PREP), a free initiative designed to assist individuals in their recovery process post-stroke.
Free Blood Pressure Checks
Highlighting the day's events, NICHS's Health Promotion Team will offer complimentary blood pressure tests at two key locations: Tesco Lisburn and Tesco Ballymena.
These checks will run from 11am to 3pm, providing an essential health service that could be life-saving. High blood pressure is a leading risk factor for stroke, making these checks crucial.
Ronny McFall, Community Champion at Tesco Superstore Ballymena, shared his personal experience:
"Earlier this year, I received a full medical check-up where high blood pressure was flagged as a major concern. It was a wake-up call for me. I'm thankful for initiatives like this where people can get checked and potentially avoid severe health issues like strokes by choosing to make lifestyle changes.”
Both Ballymena and Lisburn have been targeted for the blood pressure tests.
Community Involvement
Tesco customers are encouraged to participate in these events while doing their shopping. "Why not pop down and get your blood pressure checked? It's quick, it's free, and it could be the most important thing you do this year," added Ronny.
The initiative not only aims to raise funds but also to foster a culture of health awareness within the community.