The donation from the San Diego Division of the <a href="https://www.world-today-news.com/beware-of-the-silent-killer-11-reasons-that-lead-to-high-blood-pressure-and-here-are-its-types/" title="Beware of the silent killer … 11 reasons that lead to high blood pressure, and here are its types”>American Heart Association offers residents the opportunity to improve their blood pressure.
SAN DIEGO, October 22, 2024 — East County residents living in the Grossmont Healthcare District (Grossmont Health District or GHD) can now obtain blood pressure monitors at the Health & Wellness Library (Health and Wellness Library) from The Table. The new blood pressure self-measurement program is done in collaboration with the American Heart Association (the American Heart Association), a global force for healthier lives for all.
The Health & Wellness Library’s blood pressure program offers residents the opportunity to take home a blood pressure kit for 3 weeks. The kits include a clinically validated blood pressure monitor and cuff, educational brochures in English and Spanish, blood pressure tracking sheets, and referrals to community resources.
“High blood pressure is a leading cause and controllable risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Those risk factors are why it’s important to keep your blood pressure numbers under control,” said Sheila Brown, RN, FACHE, president of the Board of Directors of the American Heart Association of San Diego. “The new blood pressure kits available in GHD’s Health & Wellness Library will help people with high blood pressure know their numbers and keep them in a healthy range.”
Regular blood pressure measurement outside the doctor’s office helps patients receive a more accurate diagnosis. Self-measurement is also associated with lower blood pressure numbers and better blood pressure control. GHD’s Health & Wellness Library already offered a blood pressure checkpoint for visitors, which included a blood pressure monitor, basic information and instructions for measuring blood pressure, and take-home resources.
“The results of the latest Community Health Needs Assessment clearly show the impact of heart disease and stroke in East County, which have been identified as two of our strategic priority areas,” said Amy Abrams, chief of Community Health for the Grossmont Healthcare District, which manages the library as well as a grant program that supports nonprofit organizations working in community health in the region. “Our Health & Wellness Library plays a vital role in providing the public with quality, authoritative health information and the knowledge they need to be good advocates for their own health. We are grateful to the American Heart Association for providing us with these kits, which are a fundamental learning tool.
More than 1,800 members of GHD’s Health & Wellness Library have access to these important home monitoring devices. Some of the library’s members live in rural areas of San Diego County and do not have immediate access to blood pressure monitors. Community clinics will also be able to refer patients who need to monitor their blood pressure to the library for free monitoring of their health parameters at home. The initiative seeks to improve access to vital health resources and reduce barriers to health care. Many people who suffer from high blood pressure are not aware of it. If left uncontrolled, high blood pressure can lead to heart attacks, kidney disease or failure, stroke, and other health threats.
In the coming months, GHD’s Health & Wellness Library will have blood pressure monitors available for pickup from a new library mobile unit. This is part of the association’s commitment to promoting health and hope for everyone, everywhere.
To learn more about blood pressure and how to improve heart health, visit heart.org/southerncalifornia.
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a tireless force whose goal is to prolong the life and health of everyone. We are dedicated to ensuring health equity in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations and the power of millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for public health, and share resources to save lives. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024, our centenary year, we will celebrate 100 years of history and significant achievements. As we prepare for the second century of discovery and impact, our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Contact us via heart.org, Facebook, Instagram and X or call 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Erika Cervantes-Aarons; [email protected]
