SHOPPERS at a North East market are being given the chance to bag a free health check whilst browsing for bargains.
Every Saturday, experts from IntraHealth the GP service provider for NHS Hartlepool will be at Hartlepool Indoor Market in the town's Middleton Grange Shopping Centre to undertake free blood pressure checks for those wanting the once-over without having to go to their GP.
The stall has already helped hundreds of passers-by who have had a quick check-up.
Dr David Anderson, IntraHealth’s Medical Director, said: “A lot of people are not aware they have high blood pressure and because they are not feeling ill they won't bother going to their doctors.
“It is quite satisfying in some respects because in the few Saturdays we have been in the Market Hall we have many people who were not aware their blood pressure reading was high.
“If we hadn't tapped them on the shoulder and asked them to take a test, it could have been years before they found out, by which time a lot of damage could have been done.”
“In many instances, people's blood pressure has been fine, but that only goes to make their day and remove any anxieties they might have.”
The blood pressure stall is located towards the back of Hartlepool Indoor Market and is open every Saturday between 9am and 4.30pm.
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