The Daily Bulletin Archive

May is blood pressure awareness month, and it is important to know your numbers when it comes to your blood pressure. Once again, Weigel Health Center will offer free ambulatory blood pressure monitor screening through Thursday, June 6.

While blood pressure can change from minute to minute with changes in posture, exercise, stress, or sleep, it should normally be less than 120/80 mm Hg (less than 120 systolic and less than 80 diastolic) for an adult age 20 or over. About one in three (33.5%) U.S. adults has high blood pressure; however, a single high reading does not necessarily mean that you have high blood pressure.

Even if your blood pressure is normal, you should consider making lifestyle modifications to prevent the development of high blood pressure and improve your heart health.

Start now, and do your part by taking an active role in your health care. Call Julie Nichols, a nurse practitioner with the Weigel Health Center, at ext. 6711 to ask any questions you may have or to set up an appointment. Tests will be scheduled Monday–Thursday only, and it is important to wear a loose-fitting shirt the day of testing. A disclaimer form must be completed the day of testing.

Learn more about high blood pressure at the following websites:

http://www.americanheart.org

http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov