Workers, students, tourists and day trippers are encouraged to have a potentially lifesaving health check at Federation Square today.
The Ryman Healthcare BP Van (blood pressure) will be onsite conducting free assessments for the public to increase awareness of stroke and type 2 diabetes risk.
Stroke Foundation Executive Director Marketing John De Rango said the health checks would take five minutes and could be a real eye opener for some.
"Stroke is a devastating disease that strikes the brain - the human control centre," Mr De Rango said.
"The key risk factor for stroke is high blood pressure, but many people do not realise they have this condition because it has no immediate symptoms.
"The only way to know if your numbers are too high is by having a regular blood pressure check - no matter what age you are."
High blood pressure can be managed through medication and maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle.
Ryman Healthcare Community Relations Team Leader for Victoria Denise Thompson said the BP Van had been in operation since October 2019 in support of Stroke Foundation's Australia's Biggest Blood Pressure Check campaign.
"The BP van travels around Melbourne visiting shopping centres, public events, workplaces and retirement villages on request," Ms Thompson said.
"After each assessment, participants are emailed their personal results and relevant health recommendations, including advice to see their doctor if necessary.
"This initiative is a novel way to reach people in different parts of the community and empower them to understand their stroke risk and take action to manage and reduce it.
"More than 80 percent of strokes are preventable. This van will save lives. There's no doubt about it," she said.
