## A Heart Check: Saving Lives One Visit at a Time
**Archyde:** Welcome,Janis. can you tell us about the Irish Heart Foundation’s mobile health unit and the impact it’s having across the contry?
**Janis Morrissey:** Of course. Our mobile unit is a nurse-led service that travels throughout the republic of Ireland, offering free blood pressure and pulse checks, along with lifestyle assessments. This year, we’ve conducted nearly 6,000 checks, and the results have been really concerning.
**Archyde:** Concerning in what way?
**Janis Morrissey:** We’ve found that over 22% of the people we’ve checked have high blood pressure, and almost double that number have readings above normal levels. What’s particularly worrying is that nearly 40% of those tested had never checked their blood pressure before.
**Archyde:** That is alarming. What’s the significance of these findings?
**Janis Morrissey:** The findings from SETU are crucial because 80% of premature heart disease and stroke is preventable. Early detection is key. High blood pressure is frequently enough called a ‘silent killer’ as it usually has no symptoms. The good news is that, once diagnosed, it’s easily managed with lifestyle changes and, if needed, medication.
**Archyde:** What kind of lifestyle changes are we talking about?
** Janis Morrissey:** Nearly half the people who received checks through our mobile unit have gone on to make positive changes.We’re seeing people adopt healthier eating habits, exercising more regularly, cutting down on smoking, and reducing alcohol intake. These are all steps that can significantly improve heart health.
**Archyde:** This initiative is clearly making a difference. How can readers support the Irish heart Foundation’s work?
**Janis Morrissey:** We rely heavily on the generosity of the public and corporations like Pfizer Healthcare ireland, who have been supporting this initiative since 2022. So, donations are crucial, but we also encourage people to get their blood pressure checked regularly, especially if they are over 30.
**Archyde:** Janis, thank you for your insights.Some might think, “I feel fine, why should I bother?” What would you say to them?
**Janis morrissey:** I would say, “Sadly, what you don’t know *could* kill you.” Don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Take charge of your health, and get checked.
**Archyde:** excellent point. Readers, what are your thoughts on early detection and prevention for health conditions like high blood pressure? Let us know in the comments below.
Almost half of the individuals who received checks made positive changes to their lifestyle because of the experiance. Some adopted healthier eating habits, while others began exercising more regularly. Quitting smoking and reducing alcohol intake were also common outcomes. Morrissey emphasizes the importance of early detection: “Sadly, what you don’t know could kill you as high blood pressure, in the vast majority of cases, has no symptoms. The good news is that, once diagnosed, it is easily managed. Everyone aged over 30 should get checked every five years, and a GP can assess risk levels and may advise more frequent checks.” The IHF relies on the generosity of public and corporate donors, like Pfizer Healthcare Ireland who have been supporting the initiative as 2022, to keep the mobile unit running and accessible. “We are delighted to have been supporting this worthwhile initiative since 2022,” says Deb Mangone,Country Manager with Pfizer.
## A Heart Check: Saving Lives One Visit at a Time
**Archyde:** Welcome,Janis. can you tell us about the Irish Heart Foundation’s mobile health unit and the impact it’s having across the contry?
**Janis Morrissey:** Of course. Our mobile unit is a nurse-led service that travels throughout the republic of Ireland, offering free blood pressure and pulse checks, along with lifestyle assessments. This year, we’ve conducted nearly 6,000 checks, and the results have been really concerning.
**Archyde:** Concerning in what way?
**Janis Morrissey:** We’ve found that over 22% of the people we’ve checked have high blood pressure, and almost double that number have readings above normal levels. What’s particularly worrying is that nearly 40% of those tested had never checked their blood pressure before.
**Archyde:** That is alarming. What’s the significance of these findings?
**Janis Morrissey:** The findings from SETU are crucial because 80% of premature heart disease and stroke is preventable. Early detection is key. High blood pressure is frequently enough called a ‘silent killer’ as it usually has no symptoms. The good news is that, once diagnosed, it’s easily managed with lifestyle changes and, if needed, medication.
**Archyde:** What kind of lifestyle changes are we talking about?
** Janis Morrissey:** Nearly half the people who received checks through our mobile unit have gone on to make positive changes.We’re seeing people adopt healthier eating habits, exercising more regularly, cutting down on smoking, and reducing alcohol intake. These are all steps that can significantly improve heart health.
**Archyde:** This initiative is clearly making a difference. How can readers support the Irish heart Foundation’s work?
**Janis Morrissey:** We rely heavily on the generosity of the public and corporations like Pfizer Healthcare ireland, who have been supporting this initiative since 2022. So, donations are crucial, but we also encourage people to get their blood pressure checked regularly, especially if they are over 30.
**Archyde:** Janis, thank you for your insights.Some might think, “I feel fine, why should I bother?” What would you say to them?
**Janis morrissey:** I would say, “Sadly, what you don’t know *could* kill you.” Don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Take charge of your health, and get checked.
**Archyde:** excellent point. Readers, what are your thoughts on early detection and prevention for health conditions like high blood pressure? Let us know in the comments below.
The IHF’s nurse-led mobile unit travels across the Republic,offering free blood pressure and pulse checks,as well as lifestyle assessments. The service isn’t just about identifying those who need immediate medical attention. It also serves as a crucial catalyst for lifestyle changes. Almost half of the individuals who received checks made positive changes to their lifestyle because of the experiance. Some adopted healthier eating habits, while others began exercising more regularly. Quitting smoking and reducing alcohol intake were also common outcomes. Morrissey emphasizes the importance of early detection: “Sadly, what you don’t know could kill you as high blood pressure, in the vast majority of cases, has no symptoms. The good news is that, once diagnosed, it is easily managed. Everyone aged over 30 should get checked every five years, and a GP can assess risk levels and may advise more frequent checks.” The IHF relies on the generosity of public and corporate donors, like Pfizer Healthcare Ireland who have been supporting the initiative as 2022, to keep the mobile unit running and accessible. “We are delighted to have been supporting this worthwhile initiative since 2022,” says Deb Mangone,Country Manager with Pfizer.
## A Heart Check: Saving Lives One Visit at a Time
**Archyde:** Welcome,Janis. can you tell us about the Irish Heart Foundation’s mobile health unit and the impact it’s having across the contry?
**Janis Morrissey:** Of course. Our mobile unit is a nurse-led service that travels throughout the republic of Ireland, offering free blood pressure and pulse checks, along with lifestyle assessments. This year, we’ve conducted nearly 6,000 checks, and the results have been really concerning.
**Archyde:** Concerning in what way?
**Janis Morrissey:** We’ve found that over 22% of the people we’ve checked have high blood pressure, and almost double that number have readings above normal levels. What’s particularly worrying is that nearly 40% of those tested had never checked their blood pressure before.
**Archyde:** That is alarming. What’s the significance of these findings?
**Janis Morrissey:** The findings from SETU are crucial because 80% of premature heart disease and stroke is preventable. Early detection is key. High blood pressure is frequently enough called a ‘silent killer’ as it usually has no symptoms. The good news is that, once diagnosed, it’s easily managed with lifestyle changes and, if needed, medication.
**Archyde:** What kind of lifestyle changes are we talking about?
** Janis Morrissey:** Nearly half the people who received checks through our mobile unit have gone on to make positive changes.We’re seeing people adopt healthier eating habits, exercising more regularly, cutting down on smoking, and reducing alcohol intake. These are all steps that can significantly improve heart health.
**Archyde:** This initiative is clearly making a difference. How can readers support the Irish heart Foundation’s work?
**Janis Morrissey:** We rely heavily on the generosity of the public and corporations like Pfizer Healthcare ireland, who have been supporting this initiative since 2022. So, donations are crucial, but we also encourage people to get their blood pressure checked regularly, especially if they are over 30.
**Archyde:** Janis, thank you for your insights.Some might think, “I feel fine, why should I bother?” What would you say to them?
**Janis morrissey:** I would say, “Sadly, what you don’t know *could* kill you.” Don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Take charge of your health, and get checked.
**Archyde:** excellent point. Readers, what are your thoughts on early detection and prevention for health conditions like high blood pressure? Let us know in the comments below.
“The findings from the Setu report are crucial, as 80 per cent of premature heart disease and stroke is preventable,” stresses Janis Morrissey, the IHF’s director of health promotion. The IHF’s nurse-led mobile unit travels across the Republic,offering free blood pressure and pulse checks,as well as lifestyle assessments. The service isn’t just about identifying those who need immediate medical attention. It also serves as a crucial catalyst for lifestyle changes. Almost half of the individuals who received checks made positive changes to their lifestyle because of the experiance. Some adopted healthier eating habits, while others began exercising more regularly. Quitting smoking and reducing alcohol intake were also common outcomes. Morrissey emphasizes the importance of early detection: “Sadly, what you don’t know could kill you as high blood pressure, in the vast majority of cases, has no symptoms. The good news is that, once diagnosed, it is easily managed. Everyone aged over 30 should get checked every five years, and a GP can assess risk levels and may advise more frequent checks.” The IHF relies on the generosity of public and corporate donors, like Pfizer Healthcare Ireland who have been supporting the initiative as 2022, to keep the mobile unit running and accessible. “We are delighted to have been supporting this worthwhile initiative since 2022,” says Deb Mangone,Country Manager with Pfizer.
## A Heart Check: Saving Lives One Visit at a Time
**Archyde:** Welcome,Janis. can you tell us about the Irish Heart Foundation’s mobile health unit and the impact it’s having across the contry?
**Janis Morrissey:** Of course. Our mobile unit is a nurse-led service that travels throughout the republic of Ireland, offering free blood pressure and pulse checks, along with lifestyle assessments. This year, we’ve conducted nearly 6,000 checks, and the results have been really concerning.
**Archyde:** Concerning in what way?
**Janis Morrissey:** We’ve found that over 22% of the people we’ve checked have high blood pressure, and almost double that number have readings above normal levels. What’s particularly worrying is that nearly 40% of those tested had never checked their blood pressure before.
**Archyde:** That is alarming. What’s the significance of these findings?
**Janis Morrissey:** The findings from SETU are crucial because 80% of premature heart disease and stroke is preventable. Early detection is key. High blood pressure is frequently enough called a ‘silent killer’ as it usually has no symptoms. The good news is that, once diagnosed, it’s easily managed with lifestyle changes and, if needed, medication.
**Archyde:** What kind of lifestyle changes are we talking about?
** Janis Morrissey:** Nearly half the people who received checks through our mobile unit have gone on to make positive changes.We’re seeing people adopt healthier eating habits, exercising more regularly, cutting down on smoking, and reducing alcohol intake. These are all steps that can significantly improve heart health.
**Archyde:** This initiative is clearly making a difference. How can readers support the Irish heart Foundation’s work?
**Janis Morrissey:** We rely heavily on the generosity of the public and corporations like Pfizer Healthcare ireland, who have been supporting this initiative since 2022. So, donations are crucial, but we also encourage people to get their blood pressure checked regularly, especially if they are over 30.
**Archyde:** Janis, thank you for your insights.Some might think, “I feel fine, why should I bother?” What would you say to them?
**Janis morrissey:** I would say, “Sadly, what you don’t know *could* kill you.” Don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Take charge of your health, and get checked.
**Archyde:** excellent point. Readers, what are your thoughts on early detection and prevention for health conditions like high blood pressure? Let us know in the comments below.
The findings, revealed in a report by South East Technological University (Setu), were stark. Over 22% of the 300 participants with whom they interacted had high blood pressure, while almost double that number exhibited readings above normal levels. A startling 39.5% admitted to having never previously checked their blood pressure. “The findings from the Setu report are crucial, as 80 per cent of premature heart disease and stroke is preventable,” stresses Janis Morrissey, the IHF’s director of health promotion. The IHF’s nurse-led mobile unit travels across the Republic,offering free blood pressure and pulse checks,as well as lifestyle assessments. The service isn’t just about identifying those who need immediate medical attention. It also serves as a crucial catalyst for lifestyle changes. Almost half of the individuals who received checks made positive changes to their lifestyle because of the experiance. Some adopted healthier eating habits, while others began exercising more regularly. Quitting smoking and reducing alcohol intake were also common outcomes. Morrissey emphasizes the importance of early detection: “Sadly, what you don’t know could kill you as high blood pressure, in the vast majority of cases, has no symptoms. The good news is that, once diagnosed, it is easily managed. Everyone aged over 30 should get checked every five years, and a GP can assess risk levels and may advise more frequent checks.” The IHF relies on the generosity of public and corporate donors, like Pfizer Healthcare Ireland who have been supporting the initiative as 2022, to keep the mobile unit running and accessible. “We are delighted to have been supporting this worthwhile initiative since 2022,” says Deb Mangone,Country Manager with Pfizer.
## A Heart Check: Saving Lives One Visit at a Time
**Archyde:** Welcome,Janis. can you tell us about the Irish Heart Foundation’s mobile health unit and the impact it’s having across the contry?
**Janis Morrissey:** Of course. Our mobile unit is a nurse-led service that travels throughout the republic of Ireland, offering free blood pressure and pulse checks, along with lifestyle assessments. This year, we’ve conducted nearly 6,000 checks, and the results have been really concerning.
**Archyde:** Concerning in what way?
**Janis Morrissey:** We’ve found that over 22% of the people we’ve checked have high blood pressure, and almost double that number have readings above normal levels. What’s particularly worrying is that nearly 40% of those tested had never checked their blood pressure before.
**Archyde:** That is alarming. What’s the significance of these findings?
**Janis Morrissey:** The findings from SETU are crucial because 80% of premature heart disease and stroke is preventable. Early detection is key. High blood pressure is frequently enough called a ‘silent killer’ as it usually has no symptoms. The good news is that, once diagnosed, it’s easily managed with lifestyle changes and, if needed, medication.
**Archyde:** What kind of lifestyle changes are we talking about?
** Janis Morrissey:** Nearly half the people who received checks through our mobile unit have gone on to make positive changes.We’re seeing people adopt healthier eating habits, exercising more regularly, cutting down on smoking, and reducing alcohol intake. These are all steps that can significantly improve heart health.
**Archyde:** This initiative is clearly making a difference. How can readers support the Irish heart Foundation’s work?
**Janis Morrissey:** We rely heavily on the generosity of the public and corporations like Pfizer Healthcare ireland, who have been supporting this initiative since 2022. So, donations are crucial, but we also encourage people to get their blood pressure checked regularly, especially if they are over 30.
**Archyde:** Janis, thank you for your insights.Some might think, “I feel fine, why should I bother?” What would you say to them?
**Janis morrissey:** I would say, “Sadly, what you don’t know *could* kill you.” Don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Take charge of your health, and get checked.
**Archyde:** excellent point. Readers, what are your thoughts on early detection and prevention for health conditions like high blood pressure? Let us know in the comments below.
The findings, revealed in a report by South East Technological University (Setu), were stark. Over 22% of the 300 participants with whom they interacted had high blood pressure, while almost double that number exhibited readings above normal levels. A startling 39.5% admitted to having never previously checked their blood pressure. “The findings from the Setu report are crucial, as 80 per cent of premature heart disease and stroke is preventable,” stresses Janis Morrissey, the IHF’s director of health promotion. The IHF’s nurse-led mobile unit travels across the Republic,offering free blood pressure and pulse checks,as well as lifestyle assessments. The service isn’t just about identifying those who need immediate medical attention. It also serves as a crucial catalyst for lifestyle changes. Almost half of the individuals who received checks made positive changes to their lifestyle because of the experiance. Some adopted healthier eating habits, while others began exercising more regularly. Quitting smoking and reducing alcohol intake were also common outcomes. Morrissey emphasizes the importance of early detection: “Sadly, what you don’t know could kill you as high blood pressure, in the vast majority of cases, has no symptoms. The good news is that, once diagnosed, it is easily managed. Everyone aged over 30 should get checked every five years, and a GP can assess risk levels and may advise more frequent checks.” The IHF relies on the generosity of public and corporate donors, like Pfizer Healthcare Ireland who have been supporting the initiative as 2022, to keep the mobile unit running and accessible. “We are delighted to have been supporting this worthwhile initiative since 2022,” says Deb Mangone,Country Manager with Pfizer.
## A Heart Check: Saving Lives One Visit at a Time
**Archyde:** Welcome,Janis. can you tell us about the Irish Heart Foundation’s mobile health unit and the impact it’s having across the contry?
**Janis Morrissey:** Of course. Our mobile unit is a nurse-led service that travels throughout the republic of Ireland, offering free blood pressure and pulse checks, along with lifestyle assessments. This year, we’ve conducted nearly 6,000 checks, and the results have been really concerning.
**Archyde:** Concerning in what way?
**Janis Morrissey:** We’ve found that over 22% of the people we’ve checked have high blood pressure, and almost double that number have readings above normal levels. What’s particularly worrying is that nearly 40% of those tested had never checked their blood pressure before.
**Archyde:** That is alarming. What’s the significance of these findings?
**Janis Morrissey:** The findings from SETU are crucial because 80% of premature heart disease and stroke is preventable. Early detection is key. High blood pressure is frequently enough called a ‘silent killer’ as it usually has no symptoms. The good news is that, once diagnosed, it’s easily managed with lifestyle changes and, if needed, medication.
**Archyde:** What kind of lifestyle changes are we talking about?
** Janis Morrissey:** Nearly half the people who received checks through our mobile unit have gone on to make positive changes.We’re seeing people adopt healthier eating habits, exercising more regularly, cutting down on smoking, and reducing alcohol intake. These are all steps that can significantly improve heart health.
**Archyde:** This initiative is clearly making a difference. How can readers support the Irish heart Foundation’s work?
**Janis Morrissey:** We rely heavily on the generosity of the public and corporations like Pfizer Healthcare ireland, who have been supporting this initiative since 2022. So, donations are crucial, but we also encourage people to get their blood pressure checked regularly, especially if they are over 30.
**Archyde:** Janis, thank you for your insights.Some might think, “I feel fine, why should I bother?” What would you say to them?
**Janis morrissey:** I would say, “Sadly, what you don’t know *could* kill you.” Don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Take charge of your health, and get checked.
**Archyde:** excellent point. Readers, what are your thoughts on early detection and prevention for health conditions like high blood pressure? Let us know in the comments below.
## Mobile Health Unit Detects Silent Killer, Saves Lives Across the Republic of Ireland, the Irish Heart Foundation (IHF) is making a life-saving difference with it’s innovative mobile health unit.In a recent analysis spanning 2024, the unit performed nearly 6,000 free heart health checks, revealing a worrying truth about the prevalence of high blood pressure, frequently enough dubbed the “silent killer.” The findings, revealed in a report by South East Technological University (Setu), were stark. Over 22% of the 300 participants with whom they interacted had high blood pressure, while almost double that number exhibited readings above normal levels. A startling 39.5% admitted to having never previously checked their blood pressure. “The findings from the Setu report are crucial, as 80 per cent of premature heart disease and stroke is preventable,” stresses Janis Morrissey, the IHF’s director of health promotion. The IHF’s nurse-led mobile unit travels across the Republic,offering free blood pressure and pulse checks,as well as lifestyle assessments. The service isn’t just about identifying those who need immediate medical attention. It also serves as a crucial catalyst for lifestyle changes. Almost half of the individuals who received checks made positive changes to their lifestyle because of the experiance. Some adopted healthier eating habits, while others began exercising more regularly. Quitting smoking and reducing alcohol intake were also common outcomes. Morrissey emphasizes the importance of early detection: “Sadly, what you don’t know could kill you as high blood pressure, in the vast majority of cases, has no symptoms. The good news is that, once diagnosed, it is easily managed. Everyone aged over 30 should get checked every five years, and a GP can assess risk levels and may advise more frequent checks.” The IHF relies on the generosity of public and corporate donors, like Pfizer Healthcare Ireland who have been supporting the initiative as 2022, to keep the mobile unit running and accessible. “We are delighted to have been supporting this worthwhile initiative since 2022,” says Deb Mangone,Country Manager with Pfizer.
## A Heart Check: Saving Lives One Visit at a Time
**Archyde:** Welcome,Janis. can you tell us about the Irish Heart Foundation’s mobile health unit and the impact it’s having across the contry?
**Janis Morrissey:** Of course. Our mobile unit is a nurse-led service that travels throughout the republic of Ireland, offering free blood pressure and pulse checks, along with lifestyle assessments. This year, we’ve conducted nearly 6,000 checks, and the results have been really concerning.
**Archyde:** Concerning in what way?
**Janis Morrissey:** We’ve found that over 22% of the people we’ve checked have high blood pressure, and almost double that number have readings above normal levels. What’s particularly worrying is that nearly 40% of those tested had never checked their blood pressure before.
**Archyde:** That is alarming. What’s the significance of these findings?
**Janis Morrissey:** The findings from SETU are crucial because 80% of premature heart disease and stroke is preventable. Early detection is key. High blood pressure is frequently enough called a ‘silent killer’ as it usually has no symptoms. The good news is that, once diagnosed, it’s easily managed with lifestyle changes and, if needed, medication.
**Archyde:** What kind of lifestyle changes are we talking about?
** Janis Morrissey:** Nearly half the people who received checks through our mobile unit have gone on to make positive changes.We’re seeing people adopt healthier eating habits, exercising more regularly, cutting down on smoking, and reducing alcohol intake. These are all steps that can significantly improve heart health.
**Archyde:** This initiative is clearly making a difference. How can readers support the Irish heart Foundation’s work?
**Janis Morrissey:** We rely heavily on the generosity of the public and corporations like Pfizer Healthcare ireland, who have been supporting this initiative since 2022. So, donations are crucial, but we also encourage people to get their blood pressure checked regularly, especially if they are over 30.
**Archyde:** Janis, thank you for your insights.Some might think, “I feel fine, why should I bother?” What would you say to them?
**Janis morrissey:** I would say, “Sadly, what you don’t know *could* kill you.” Don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Take charge of your health, and get checked.
**Archyde:** excellent point. Readers, what are your thoughts on early detection and prevention for health conditions like high blood pressure? Let us know in the comments below.
## Mobile Health Unit Detects Silent Killer, Saves Lives Across the Republic of Ireland, the Irish Heart Foundation (IHF) is making a life-saving difference with it’s innovative mobile health unit.In a recent analysis spanning 2024, the unit performed nearly 6,000 free heart health checks, revealing a worrying truth about the prevalence of high blood pressure, frequently enough dubbed the “silent killer.”
## A Heart Check: Saving Lives One Visit at a Time
**Archyde:** Welcome,Janis. can you tell us about the Irish Heart Foundation’s mobile health unit and the impact it’s having across the contry?
**Janis Morrissey:** Of course. Our mobile unit is a nurse-led service that travels throughout the republic of Ireland, offering free blood pressure and pulse checks, along with lifestyle assessments. This year, we’ve conducted nearly 6,000 checks, and the results have been really concerning.
**Archyde:** Concerning in what way?
**Janis Morrissey:** We’ve found that over 22% of the people we’ve checked have high blood pressure, and almost double that number have readings above normal levels. What’s particularly worrying is that nearly 40% of those tested had never checked their blood pressure before.
**Archyde:** That is alarming. What’s the significance of these findings?
**Janis Morrissey:** The findings from SETU are crucial because 80% of premature heart disease and stroke is preventable. Early detection is key. High blood pressure is frequently enough called a ‘silent killer’ as it usually has no symptoms. The good news is that, once diagnosed, it’s easily managed with lifestyle changes and, if needed, medication.
**Archyde:** What kind of lifestyle changes are we talking about?
** Janis Morrissey:** Nearly half the people who received checks through our mobile unit have gone on to make positive changes.We’re seeing people adopt healthier eating habits, exercising more regularly, cutting down on smoking, and reducing alcohol intake. These are all steps that can significantly improve heart health.
**Archyde:** This initiative is clearly making a difference. How can readers support the Irish heart Foundation’s work?
**Janis Morrissey:** We rely heavily on the generosity of the public and corporations like Pfizer Healthcare ireland, who have been supporting this initiative since 2022. So, donations are crucial, but we also encourage people to get their blood pressure checked regularly, especially if they are over 30.
**Archyde:** Janis, thank you for your insights.Some might think, “I feel fine, why should I bother?” What would you say to them?
**Janis morrissey:** I would say, “Sadly, what you don’t know *could* kill you.” Don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Take charge of your health, and get checked.
**Archyde:** excellent point. Readers, what are your thoughts on early detection and prevention for health conditions like high blood pressure? Let us know in the comments below.