The County asked residents to “love” their heart on Valentine’s Day by getting their blood pressure screened. They did.
A total of 1,348 people had their blood pressure checked at 15 locations throughout the county. The free blood pressure screenings, offered in partnership with Kaiser Permanente and US Health Works, were part of the County’s Live Well, San Diego! initiative, which strives to improve the health, safety, and economic well-being of every resident in the region.
“Getting a blood pressure screening is the first step to being heart healthy,” said Nick Macchione, Director, Health and Human Services Agency. “It is one of the best ways residents can take charge of their health and a way to maintain or improve heart health.”
Patients with above normal blood pressures were asked to have their blood pressure checked again at their doctor’s offices or community clinic. Those with no medical insurance were asked to call 2-1-1 for available resources.
Patients were also provided with information on how to be heart healthy, including:
- Eating a healthy diet
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Being physically active
- Not smoking
- Limiting alcohol use
“Prevention is very important. High blood pressure can lead heart disease, stroke or other illnesses,” said Suzanne Pomeroy, a registered nurse with Kaiser Permanente, adding that members of the public being screened were appreciative the service was offered. “This is a good way to talk to people about exercise and diet.”
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, killing one person every minute. In San Diego County, it has dropped to second place, killing an average of 13 people every day.
Obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and a family history of heart disease can put an individual at greater risk.
“A blood pressure screening is a good measurement of general health,” said Minh Nguyen, D.O., M.P.H., Area Medical Director for US HealthWorks. “It’s about starting a conversation about healthy eating and healthy lifestyles and getting people to be more of an active participant in taking care of their health.”
For more information on how to stay heart healthy visit heart.org.
