Age Concern Havering has a new Healthy Living Co-ordinator. Julie Crick a former local practice nurse has set up a team to offer free blood pressure checks for the over 50s in Havering.

‘There are several million people in the UK who have high blood pressure but are unaware of it as they feel well’ said Julie ‘And the only way to find out is to have a blood pressure check’

Julie also explained that high blood pressure puts an extra strain on your heart, kidneys and blood vessels and can cause and can cause long term health problems.

‘Treating high blood pressure significantly reduces your chances of having a stroke or heart attack’ added Julie ‘Treatment may simply be lifestyle changes such as reducing salt intake or losing some weight or it may require medication’