Get checked

By Casey Neill
EMERALD residents can reduce their risk of stroke – by giving up a few minutes.
Emerald Village Pharmacy is offering free blood pressure tests between 9am and 5pm until 21 May for the National Stroke Foundation’s Know Your Numbers campaign.
High blood pressure is the most significant risk factor for stroke, which is the country’s second biggest killer and a leading cause of disability.
Emerald pharmacist Louise Lammers said the test only took about five minutes.
Staff will also alert patients to other stroke indicators and ways to lower risks.
Gembrook MP Tammy Lobato encouraged people to take advantage of the free service.
“They’ve got no excuse not to,” she said.
“It’s very quick and easy.”
Mr Lobato was “very happy” with her 117/72 reading, which placed her in the category least at risk.
Readers can visit www.strokefoundation. com.au for more information.