John's story for Men's Health Awareness month

Throughout November we are focusing on men’s health, with stories each week from men who have faced physical or mental health issues in the workplace.

This week's focus is on blood pressure, featuring John Beckett's personal experience of discovering an issue with his blood pressure during a health check on site.

Jade Seaman, the site wellbeing champion conducting the health check, recalled the moment saying:

"John’s systolic pressure was over 216 (a normal reading would be less than 120). It was the first time I had experienced such a high blood pressure reading at a health check and I was worried about what to do.

At first we thought the machine was wrong so we took a reading three times, with John leaving and coming back in between, just in case being present in the room was causing additional stress for him. However, it remained the same, so I sought professional advice from a healthcare specialist who advised he should visit the hospital straight away.”

John Beckett, Lead Forum representative at Baginton B, reflected on the moment saying:

“I have a health MOT annually and there’s no history of high blood pressure in the family, so the high BP reading was a complete shock. To be honest I didn’t believe it. I’d had a stressful start to that day with a traffic incident on the way into work, but other than that nothing stressful going on at work that would result in high BP. I told Jade I’d be alright but both her and the General Manager insisted that I go to the GP so I did. The GP was a lot firmer with me and told me the next journey I would be making was to A&E.

“I was informed that the wait would be around seven hours so I offered to go home and come back. I was told by the nurse that I could, however when I returned I would most probably return in a wheelchair. My blood pressure was at a dangerous level and a stroke could be imminent.

“I am now on medication for my blood pressure. I have to provide five days worth of readings to the GP every 2-3 months. With an increase in medication from 5mg to 10mg my systolic pressure is now between 130-135.

“The scary thing is that I didn’t feel any different. I recall having some fleeting tingles of pins and needles, but nothing that alarmed me or lasted long enough to do anything about. I haven’t really spoken much about my experience, other than to thank Jade and Steve at the time.

"The check that Unipart offered literally saved my life from an otherwise silent killer. I have no way of knowing whether I would have had a stroke or suffered with cardiovascular issues as a result of the high BP, but I know that the medication works and keeps me within a healthier range to minimise my risks. I’ve now also taken up walking football. I would recommend that if you’re offered the check, take it up, and know your numbers.”

Watch the following video from the British Heart Foundation to learn more about blood pressure and what the numbers mean. There is also a leaflet to download below.

Unipart have invested in additional sets of the DIY know your numbers kits, which means your Wellbeing Champions can host more regular events to help you manage your health from the inside out. If there's one taking place, get involved and understand your numbers.

There is always someone you can talk to about any aspect of your life, health, and wellbeing.

For a confidential conversation with a caring colleague you can reach out to a Mental Health First Aider directly, or by sending a message through Here4U, or you can call TELUS Health One on 0800 169 1920 to speak in confidence with a counsellor.