In light of World Stroke Day on Wednesday Braybrooks Pharmacy set up a shop-front stall and staff carried out free blood pressure checks; 41 in total.

The stall had pride of place on the footpath as a steady flow of residents and business people took time out of their daily routine to get their blood pressure tested. Even when they closed the stall at 2pm word of mouth had travelled and people were dropping into the pharmacy for a test.

Braybrooks Pharmacy’s owner/operator Judy Braybrooks made it her prerogative to raise awareness about the risk factors that can lead to a stroke. Judy was more than happy to provide the service for the community in Cootamundra on World Stroke Day and says that residents are welcome to get tested from Monday to Saturday during opening hours.

Judy says it pays to keep an eye on your blood pressure and to know the common signs of a stroke.

When Heath Harrison the managing editor of the Cootamundra Herald found out about the stall he felt compelled to stop what he was doing, walk across the road and get a blood pressure test.

“I thought it was best to get it checked; prevention is better than a cure,” Heath said.

His blood pressure was alarmingly high considering that Heath is only 35, and he’s relatively trim and fit. However, he has family history of high blood pressure, he works long hours and doesn’t get as much sleep as he would like to.

While Heath was aware that his blood pressure would be higher than normal the results were still confronting.

“It was a big wake up call.

“I’ll have to keep a close eye on it.” 

Heath was advised to take ‘immediate action’, so he booked an appointment at the Cootamundra Medical Centre.

Half an hour later, Heath’s blood pressure was still high, and so he will need to follow this up with a consultation from a general practitioner.

“Typically men avoid checkups but I would like to urge all men to do it,” Heath said.

“It’s important to look after yourself for you and your family; to make sure you’re here for many years to come.”

Heath will take practical steps to reduce his blood pressure.

“I’ve been told by a few people to avoid salt and caffeine so I might have to monitor my intake more closely.”

Heath says it will be challenging to give up caffeine, he drinks quite a few cups of coffee a day, but he will try his best. 

“I’m been told to try decaf, I might buy a tin of that and see how I go,” he said.

Common signs of a stroke 

F for face: check their face; has their mouth drooped?

A for arm: can they lift both arms?

S for speech: is their speech slurred? Do they understand you?

T for time: time is critical. If you see any of these signs call 000 immediately.