Getting Blood Pressure Under Control

Getting Blood Pressure Under Control

Many missed opportunities to prevent heart disease and stroke

Nearly 1 in 3 adults (about 67 million) have high blood pressure.

About 36 million adults with high blood pressure don’t have it under control.

High blood pressure contributes to nearly 1,000 deaths a day.

 

High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke, both of which are leading causes of death in the US. Nearly one-third of all American adults have high blood pressure and more than half of them don’t have it under control.* Many with uncontrolled high blood pressure don’t know they have it. Millions are taking blood pressure medicines, but their blood pressure is still not under control. There are many missed opportunities for people with high blood pressure to gain control. Doctors, nurses and others in health care systems should identify and treat high blood pressure at every visit.

*Blood pressure control means having a systolic blood pressure less than 140 mmHg and a diastolic blood pressure less than 90 mmHg, among people with high blood pressure.

Problem

Controlling blood pressure has to be a priority.

Why is blood pressure control so important to health?
When your blood pressure is high:

• You are 4 times more likely to die from a stroke
• You are 3 times more likely to die from heart disease

Even blood pressure that is slightly high can put you at greater risk.
Most people with uncontrolled high blood pressure:

• Know they have high blood pressure
• See their doctor
• Take prescribed medicine

Each of these is important, but there is much more to do. What’s needed now is for doctors, nurses and their patients to pay regular and frequent attention to controlling blood pressure.

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Preparedness tips for people living with disabilities

An emergency can happen anywhere and anytime. And while you can usually expect some help from emergency response officials, it might not come right away.

That's why it's critical that everyone take steps to protect themselves and make sure they can stay safe and healthy if help isn't around. If you're living with a disability, there are a few extra tips you should keep in mind to get prepared.

The basics:

A good place to begin your preparedness journey is with information. What kind of disaster is likely to happen in your community? Do you live in an area prone to tornadoes or floods? Knowing what's likely to happen will help you design an effective plan. For example, if you live in a community at risk for hurricanes, how will you evacuate? Are there nearby shelters that can accommodate your needs?

Communication is a preparedness must. Talk with friends, family or those in your support network about problems you may encounter in an emergency. Talk about whether you'll need help and how everyone will stay in contact.

Also, you may have trouble hearing, seeing or understanding official warnings. So take steps now to stay in the know. For instance, if you have a visual disability, make sure you have a battery-operated radio. If you have a hearing disability, learn whether local emergency systems can interact with TTY or Internet-based relay services.

Talk about specifics and write down a plan. Consider giving those you might depend on keys to your home. Also, show them how to use any assistive equipment. Write down detailed instructions for them. Make sure they've met and are comfortable with your service animal.

The specifics:

Having a preparedness plan means having an emergency preparedness stockpile.

Your stockpile should include some basic items:
• A three-day supply of water and non-perishable food
• Food and water supplies for your pets and service animals
• A flashlight
• Extra batteries
• A manual can opener
• A first-aid kit

It's a good idea to put together a portable kit you can take with you if told to evacuate.

Now, think about how a loss of electricity will impact your daily activities and whether you might need to purchase a generator. But be sure to talk to your utility company first. It is sometimes illegal to connect a generator to your home's wiring. You can also ask whether your utility company offers priority reconnection services for people with disabilities.

Talk to your doctor about getting extra medication for your stockpile. It's a good idea to have at least a week's worth of medication with you at all times. Also, make sure your emergency contacts have contact info for your doctors, are aware of the medications you take and know when you need to take them. Put copies of your medical records in your portable emergency kit.

Some other items to consider for your emergency stockpile might include:
• A tire patch kit if you use a wheelchair, or an extra battery if you use a motorized wheelchair or scooter.
• Extra batteries for your hearing aid.
• An extra cane.
• A talking or Braille clock with extra batteries.
• Extra eyeglasses.
• Pencils and paper, particularly if you have hearing impairments.
• Step-by-step instructions for yourself on what to do in an emergency, particularly if you have a cognitive disability.

Consider contacting local officials about how they can help you. Many local emergency response agencies offer special services for residents with disabilities, but you need to be officially registered.

Practice!

Practicing makes a difference.

Schedule practice sessions for yourself and those in your support network. Pick different emergency scenarios and evaluate where you can make improvements. And don't forget to celebrate your successes as well!

Also, remember to check your stockpile regularly and switch out any expired food and medicines.

 

Content from the American Public Health Association

Seasonal Flu Vaccine available at the Monongalia County Health Department

The single best way to protect against the flu is to get a flu vaccine each year.  The CDC recommends everyone who is at least 6 months of age or older, especially people at high risk for developing serious complications from the flu, get vaccinated each season.

 

Influenza is a serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes even death.  Every flu season is different and influenza can affect people differently.  Even healthy people can get very sick from the flu and spread it to others.  The “seasonal flu season” in the United States can begin as early as October and last as late as May.

 

Flu vaccines will provide protection against infection about two weeks after the vaccination and last through the flu season.  In addition to getting the vaccine, there are other steps that can be taken to prevent influenza illness.

·         Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.  Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

·         Wash your hands often with soap and water.  If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol based hand sanitizer.

·         Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.  Germs spread this way.

·         If you are sick with flu-like symptoms, stay at home and limit contact with others until at least 24 hours after your fever is gone without the use of fever-reducing medication.

 

While everyone 6 months of age or older should get a flu vaccine, it is especially important for some people to get vaccinated:

·         People who are at high risk of developing serious complications like pneumonia if they get sick with the flu.  This includes:  people who have certain medical conditions like asthma, diabetes, and chronic lung diseases; pregnant women, and people 65 years and older.

·         People who live with or care for others who are at high risk of developing serious complications.  This includes:  household contacts and caregivers of people younger than 6 months of age and with certain medical conditions including asthma, diabetes, and chronic lung disease.

 

For clinic schedules and how to make an appointment visit our Facebook page at:

https://www.facebook.com/WVMCHD

 

Content by MCHD Nursing