Many people have no symptoms indicating their blood pressure is elevated. Therefore, it is wise for all age groups (children through adult) to have their blood pressure checked regularly by a professional. St. Andrew’s Parish Nurse Ministry offers this service on the second Sunday of each month in the church office.
High blood pressure (hypertension) is distressingly common throughout the industrialized world and the numbers are increasing steadily for two reasons. Americans are getting older, heavier, and more sedentary, and the definition of hypertension has changed. The bar has been set at 121-129 systolic over 81-85 diastolic for adults.
To protect your heart, blood vessels, kidneys, and brain, you should know what your blood pressure is, what it should be, and how you can achieve the goal of what is ideal. Lifestyle modifications should include a diet low in sodium and saturated fats while high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and nonfat dairy products; exercise such as walking for at least 30 minutes per day; weight control; stress control; avoiding exposure to tobacco; and limiting alcohol consumption to one to two drinks per day. Medications can also be prescribed if these measures alone do not lower blood pressure.
To obtain an accurate blood pressure reading, you should be lying down or sitting quietly with feet flat on the floor. Your arm should be at the level of your heart and you should avoid caffeine, nicotine, and exercise before the screening.
For help on any health-related issue, contact Parish Nursing in the church office.