Know Your Numbers! Week

People across Calderdale are being urged to take a few minutes to have their blood pressure checked as part of Know Your Numbers! Week, 7-13 September 2026.

High blood pressure usually has no obvious signs or symptoms. Without diagnosis and treatment, it can silently damage blood vessels and vital organs for years, increasing the risk of stroke, heart attack, kidney disease, vascular dementia and premature death. This is why it is so important to get your blood pressure checked during Know Your Numbers! Week.

Calderdale Council’s Sports Service is offering free blood pressure checks at sports centres in Brighouse, Sowerby Bridge and Todmorden, helping local people find out whether they could be living with high blood pressure without knowing it. Details of the free drop-in sessions are listed below:

Brighouse Pool and Fitness Centre: Tuesday 8 Sept (9-10am), Wednesday 9 Sept (1-2pm)

Sowerby Bridge Pool and Fitness Centre: Wednesday 9 Sept (10.30-11.30am and 5:30-6:30pm), Friday 11 Sept (10.30-11:30am and 5:30-6:30pm)

Todmorden Sports Centre: Wednesday 9 Sept (10-11am), Friday 11 Sept (9-11am)

Blood pressure can also be checked at home or at your local pharmacy. For more information, visit the NHS website.

Some people may need medication to keep their blood pressure under control. Healthy lifestyle changes can also help to reduce high blood pressure. Regular physical activity, a healthy diet, and stopping smoking can all help to improve heart health and lower blood pressure.

Visit the Active Calderdale website to find out how to move in a way that works for you. Whether it’s some stretching, a walk around the block or some gardening, every move counts and can help to lower blood pressure.

Stopping smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health and can significantly reduce your risk of high blood pressure.

 Contact Yorkshire Smokefree Calderdale for free NHS support and personalised advice to help you quit.