Barbershop Health Check

TRANSCRIPT
Barbershop Health Check

NARRATOR:
In one South London barbershop, customers are getting more than just a haircut — they’re also being offered a quick health check that could be life-saving. It’s all part of a new initiative to help detect high blood pressure, a condition that often goes undiagnosed.

SOUNDBITE - Ohene Bernard:
“I came to get a haircut and also check my blood pressure. I learnt my blood pressure is slightly high. I've been having my hair cut here for years now, so I trust the barber and I have more confidence in him.”

NARRATOR:
The project is designed to engage men who are statistically more likely to suffer from undiagnosed high blood pressure — a major risk factor for heart attacks, strokes, and kidney failure. In this barbershop, the chair has become a key tool in the fight against high blood pressure.

SOUNDBITE - Julian Appiah-Koduah:
“But I felt like this was a very great opportunity and great idea to create awareness and save lives. Majority of the time, I feel like customers have to trust barbers and they feel more comfortable with us.”

NARRATOR:
An estimated 30% of men in the UK live with high blood pressure, yet half of those cases go undetected. The consequences of missing the warning signs can be severe. Each year, conditions linked to high blood pressure place a heavy burden on public health. Combating the issue will take both large-scale change and small, community-led actions like this one.  Sometimes, the key to feeling good really does start with looking good… and a quick blood pressure check.