I AM writing to let you know about an event that will play an important part in the health of people in the local community, and particularly of your readers.

Each year, the Blood Pressure Association, of which I am a member, runs a high profile national blood pressure testing week, run by hundreds of local volunteers around the UK. This year it runs from September 15-21.

As part of its Know Your Numbers initiative, the BPA's testing week aims to provide people with an opportunity to have their blood pressure tested free of charge at a local pressure station, and learn more about ways to reduce the likelihood of getting high blood pressure and, importantly, what action should be taken if they have high blood pressure to ensure it controlled well.

People with high blood pressure are three times more likely to develop heart disease and stroke putting them at greater risk of disability, and twice as likely to die from these as people with acceptable blood pressure levels.

It really is important that more people are aware that knowing their blood pressure numbers, and taking relevant action, is a good thing. It's one of the best things you can do to save your life.

Selected branches of Lloyds and Moss pharmacies as well as Asda stores are taking part during the week.

For other venues, people can check the BPA website www.bpassoc.org.uk from the end of August and, of course, keep a look out in this paper for further pressure station details.

R B W Morgan,

Whitehorse Street, Hereford