BASINGSTOKE residents are more likely to service their cars than attend routine medical examinations, according to a recent survey. 

People are being urged to encourage their loved ones to take up a free blood pressure check, as research from Tesco shows that people in the South East are struggling to prioritise their health during the cost of living crisis.

Tesco revealed that 61 per cent of residents in the South East are more likely to service their cars and household boilers (54 per cent) each year than attend a routine medical examination (19 per cent).

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Thirty-four per cent of people are also more likely to prioritise the health of their loved ones over their own health.

Routine checks for people are the most effective way of residents spotting high blood pressure, which is associated with around 50 per cent of heart attacks and strokes.

Amid these warning signs, Tesco is working with the British Heart Foundation to encourage more Basingstoke people to routinely check their blood pressure, for free, at the supermarket’s network of in-store pharmacies. 

Among the pharmacies offering the free tests is the one at Chineham. 

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Dr Charmaine Griffiths, chief executive at the British Heart Foundation, said: “Every week in the UK, around 4,000 people are admitted to hospital for a heart attack or stroke, with treatable high blood pressure contributing to many of these life-threatening events.

“This means the opportunity for a free blood pressure check could be one of the most valuable deals on offer when doing your weekly shop. It’s quick, easy and could even save your life.”  

“At a time when the health service is under incredible strain, making blood pressure checks and health information readily available in places like Tesco supermarkets has the potential to help millions of people improve their health and prevent countless heart attacks and strokes.”

For more information go to tesco.com/pharmacy.