Health activity tracker watches and blood pressure monitors available to borrow from Wiltshire libraries

People aged 16 and over are being encouraged to stay healthy and active with activity tracker watches, available to borrow from libraries in Salisbury and Trowbridge as well as the North and South mobile libraries.

Activity tracker watches enable people to track their steps, heart rate, sleep quality and much more. Moving more and sitting less is proven to improve sleep quality, mental health and many other aspects of life.

Physical activity can also help prevent long-term conditions such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and some cancers, and help to reduce limitations and falls later in life.

Also available on loan from Salisbury and Trowbridge libraries and the North and South mobile libraries are blood pressure monitors. People can use these to take their blood pressure at home and see how any changes in lifestyle are having an impact.

If blood pressure is too high, it puts extra strain on heart and blood vessels. If left untreated, it can lead to a number of health problems including heart attacks, stroke, kidney disease and some forms of dementia. High blood pressure is one of the most important contributors for cardiovascular disease.

Steps that can be taken to reduce blood pressure include:

• Regular physical activity
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Eating a healthy balanced diet
• Stop smoking
• Measure blood pressure at home
• Stress management

Cllr Ian Blair-Pilling, Cabinet Member for Public Health, Leisure and Libraries, said: "Activity tracker watches are a great way to monitor your progress and get inspired about exercise. If you haven't tried one before, pop down to your local library and borrow one for free.

"Physical activity can benefit our health and wellbeing and prevent against illness. We hope these activity trackers will help people to keep fit and enjoy life to the fullest.

"These watches are there for everyone - from beginners to those who regularly exercise so I'd recommend anyone interested borrows one to try it out, as there's nothing to lose.

"I would also encourage anyone looking to reduce their blood pressure to borrow a free blood pressure monitor so they can see in real time the difference any changes in their lifestyle are making.

"High blood pressure can lead to numerous conditions, and I hope these monitors will help people to take positive steps to improve their health."

People must be 16+ to borrow an activity tracker watch or 18+ to borrow a blood pressure monitor. They can be loaned for up to six weeks.

To borrow an activity tracker watch or blood pressure monitor, people must be a member of Wiltshire Libraries. To become a library member, people can sign up for free by visiting a Wiltshire Council library or at Join the library

For more information people can visit Borrow an activity tracker or blood pressure monitor