blood pressure cuff


SPHD also offers TB, Lead, Cholesterol & Diabetic Screenings

What's Your Number?

A normal blood pressure is 120/80 or lower.

Stickney Public Health District has a hypertension program, What's Your Number?, designed for residents in the township to “drop in” Monday thru Friday 9am-12 noon and 1pm -3pm at the North and South Clinics.  No appointment is required.

Your blood pressure will be taken. If your BP is within normal limits and you have no concerning symptoms (headache, blurred vision, chest pain) your visit will conclude.

However, if your blood pressure is elevated and/or if you report concerning symptoms, such as trouble breathing, one sided body weakness, chest pain, indigestion, or profuse sweating, you will be seen by a provider before leaving the building. Evaluation and a management plan will be determined at this time.

Remember: NEVER drive ANYWHERE if you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms. If you are, call 911 immediately!

High Blood Pressure can be managed with appropriate care, modifying risk factors and medical management.

Hypertension - High Blood Pressure

Hypertension, also known as High Blood Pressure, is a condition in which the blood vessels have persistently raised blood pressure. Blood is transported throughout the body by means of blood vessels. Over time, the vessels can become Less elastic and hardened, making contractility of the muscle difficult when under stress. Hypertension is often called the “silent killer."

A normal blood pressure would register 120/80 or lower.

There are 4 stages of Hypertension.
Elevated: Blood pressure are measurements of 120-129/80mmHg.
Stage 1: blood pressure measurements of 130-139/80-89 mmHg or higher.
Stage 2: Blood pressure measurements of 140/90mmHg of higher.
Crisis: blood pressure reading greater than 180/120 or higher. The only way to evaluate if you have high blood pressure is to take your blood pressure.

When blood pressure is very high, you may experience some of the following symptoms:
Severe headache
Blurred vision
Buzzing in the ears
Nosebleeds
Abnormal heart rhythm

Diagnosing one for Hypertension is usually performed by a healthcare provider MD, NP PA-C.
If your practitioner does prescribe medication for your Hypertension, be sure to take the medication as prescribed.
Correct medication
Correct time
Correct dose
Do Not Skip Or Adjust Your Medication Dose Without Speaking With Your Provider!
Doing so could result in serious outcomes.

The Stickney Township Public Health District offers complimentary blood pressure readings at North and South clinics for adults (over 18 years old).

North Clinic: Monday thru Friday 9am-12 noon and 1pm-3pm
South Clinic: Monday thru Friday 9am-12 noon and 1pm-3pm

Hypertension can be managed and controlled by
Improving lifestyle habits:
limit Alcohol consumption
Weight loss
Engage in a physical exercise program on a regular basis
Get 7-8 hours sleep/per night
Stop Smoking!

Find ways to manage your stress:
Meditation
Reading a book
Taking a hot bath
Walking
Listening to soothing music
Taking up an interesting hobby
Increasing physical activity

Make better food choices:
Avoid carbs.
Eat more lean protein i.e., chicken, turkey, fish, tofu.
Eat less red meat.
Drink more water- 96 oz. water/day is recommended.
Cut out or limit empty calories- soda pop, candy snacks (potato chips),alcohol.
Eat more veggies, fruits, nuts, grains.
Cut down on salt or better yet, eliminate it completely!

Links:
American Heart Association-http://www.heart.org/health-topics CDC- https://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/manage National Institute of Health- https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/treatment Mayo Clinic-https://www.mayoclinic.org/in-depth/art-20046974

Did You Know?

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) is a major risk factor for stroke, kidney disease,   blindness and heart disease including heart attack. It affects nearly half of adults aged 18 years old and older equally among sexes.

The prevalence of HTN is HIGHEST among:
  • Non Hispanic, Black or African American persons, men aged 65 years old and older.
  • Individuals that live in Southern united States.

    • Risk factors play a major role in HTN incidence.
    Some examples include:
  • Smoking
  • Alcohol consumption
  • Poor diet
  • Stress
  • Little Physical Activity
  • Avoiding Physical Exams and check ups
  • Inadequate sleep (less than 7 hours/night)
  • Noncompliance with taking medication prescribed for HTN
  • Family history of HTN (Genetic component)
  • Age

    • HTN is known as the “Silent Killer”

    Heart Attack ( otherwise known as Myocardial Infarction) occurs when the blood supply to the heart is blocked and the heart muscle begins to die due to lack of oxygen.
    The longer the blood flow is blocked, the greater damage to the heart.

    Heart Failure is a condition that occurs when your heart can’t pump enough Blood and oxygen to your other organs.

    During a Heart attack you may experience the following symptoms:
    Men: Chest pain, often described as “an elephant standing on my chest”
    Profuse sweating, cold sweat
    Nausea and/or vomiting
    Dizziness, feeling like you’re going to pass out
    Fatigue
    Rapid or irregular pulse
    Shortness of breath, at rest or with activity
    Stomach discomfort like indigestion

    Women: Chest pain
    Pain or pressure in upper back, “Like a rope squeezing your body”
    Fatigue, a few days before or suddenly
    Anxiety
    Sleep disturbances
    Shoulder pain
    Pain or discomfort in 1 or both arms
    Pain/pressure in lower chest
    Pain or pressure in upper abdomen
    Nausea and/or vomiting
    Indigestion like stomach discomfort
    Or no symptoms at all!

    If you ever experience warning signs of a heart attack call 911. Never drive yourself to the Emergency Room with chest pain, dizziness, or feeling like you might pass out.