14/11/24
 
Hubs and libraries across Cardiff are extending their health and wellbeing offer, with the launch of a new blood pressure monitor scheme.

In the same way as library card holders can borrow books and other resources from facilities across the city, members of the public can now take advantage of the new loan scheme that will allow them to keep track of their blood pressure.

The scheme is the latest health and well-being initiative from the Hubs and Libraries service, working in partnership with Cardiff and Vale Local Public Health Team and Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, and supports the goal of delivering activity to help reduce health inequalities across the city.

One in three adults in the UK has high blood pressure but many don’t realise it.  If untreated, high blood pressure over a period of time can lead to a number of health problems including stroke, heart disease, kidney disease, vascular dementia and diabetes.

Being more aware of their blood pressure can enable individuals to make positive lifestyle changes such as such as getting active, keeping to a healthy weight, eating healthily, stopping smoking or taking medication, to avoid these negative outcomes.

However, even when people are advised to monitor their blood pressure, the cost of buying a device can be a barrier.

Now, monitors validated by the British and Irish Hypertension Society for home use will be available to borrow for free for three-week periods to enable residents to carry out their own monitoring at home. Customers will be provided with a booklet containing information about why it’s important to monitor blood pressure, causes of high blood pressure, how to use the device and record results and what to do if they are concerned about the readings they take.

Members of the community who’d like to borrow a device but don’t currently have a library card can sign up for one for free at their local hub or library.

A council spokesperson said: “We’re really pleased to be able to offer this new service to our customers. Many people can feel agitated when having their blood pressure taken in a healthcare setting, which can affect the accuracy of their reading.  By borrowing a device from their local library or hub, customers can carry out the monitoring in the comfort of their own home and take action to improve their own health.”