Your library, your health: free heart and hearing checks in Mullingar

High blood pressure is a major cause of stroke and heart attack, and is one of the most prevalent risk factors in the population, but the good news is that once high blood pressure is identified it is manageable and easy to treat.

The Irish Heart Foundation mobile health unit is offering free heart and blood pressure checks to the public, outside Mullingar Library on Friday April 10 (10am-3.45pm).

Joining them will be Hidden Hearing Ireland who are offering free hearing checks.

The event, organised by Westmeath Libraries, is open to everyone and there is no need to book ahead.

The quick and free checks are an opportunity to receive valuable information on your hearing, heart health and how to prevent heart disease and stroke.

Michelle Ruddy, executive librarian at Mullingar Library, said: “We are delighted to be able to welcome both the Irish Heart Foundation mobile health unit and Hidden Hearing Ireland. Looking a er our health is so important. A blood pressure check is a simple quick and non-invasive test that could prove lifesaving. A hearing check can lead to timely interventoon to address hearing loss. We encourage everyone to come by and take advantage of both fantastic services.”

Feel free to drop into the library afterwards and explore what the library has to offer, Michelle added.

Westmeath Libraries offers access to a wide range of books acquired under the Healthy Ireland @ Your Library programme and lifestyle supports such as activator poles, Lumie Lightboxes, magnifying aids and more. Membership of the library is free for everyone – just remember to bring some identification and proof of address to join.

Contact Mullingar Library on 044 9332161 with any queries.

If concerned about your health, always consult your doctor or a qualified medical practitioner.

For more information on Heart Health visit the Irish Heart Foundation website at www.irishheart.ie.

• What: Free blood pressure, heart health and hearing checks.

• Where: Outside Mullingar Library (Westmeath County Council buildings N91 FH4N)

• When: Friday April 10 10am-3.45pm.

• Cost and who: Free and open to the public; no need to book.