They enable residents to accurately measure their height, weight, BMI (body mass index), heart rate and blood pressure. No appointment is necessary and the checks are free, self service and confidential, with results printed on a slip of paper for users to take away with them.
The health monitors are available at Central, Bilston, Warstones and Wednesfield libraries, the Bob Jones Community Hub in Blakenhall and at WV Active Aldersley, WV Active Central and WV Active Bilston Bert-Williams, and offer a valuable alternative to attending medical settings for low level and non clinical interventions.
Staff at the various locations will not be able to provide clinical advice, but will be able to signpost residents to relevant information and advice.
Where appropriate, blood pressure monitors are also available to loan to enable people to monitor their blood pressure for free at home.
In addition, the city’s libraries also have a wide selection of self help books on a variety of topics related to health and wellbeing available for loan.
John Denley, Wolverhampton’s Director of Public Health, said: “We want to make it as easy as possible for our residents to take control of their own health and wellbeing. The monitors are free to use and we hope they will encourage residents to prioritise their health.
“In particular, we are encouraging people to get their blood pressure checked, even if they have no apparent symptoms, as high blood pressure can lead to serious health issues like heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and vascular dementia if left unchecked.”
