Start the New Year off right and get to “know your numbers”. In an effort to promote public health, the Trumbull Monroe Health District (TMHD) is offering free blood pressure screenings this February to all those interested. Individual counseling and educational materials will be available. No appointment is needed. Screenings will take place on:
• Tuesday, February 11th, from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., at the Monroe Senior Center, 235 Cutler’s Farm Road, Monroe. Open to anyone 55 years of age or older.
• Friday, February 14th, from 8:45 a.m. – 10:30 a.m., at the Trumbull Monroe Health District, 2 Corporate Drive, Suite 116, Trumbull. Open to the general public.
• Wednesday, February 26th, from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., at the Trumbull Monroe Health District, 2 Corporate Drive, Suite 116, Trumbull. Open to the general public.
High blood pressure increases the risk for heart disease and stroke, both leading causes of death in the United States. According to the American Heart Association, about 1 in 3 American adults have high blood pressure. The cause of 90-95% of the cases of high blood pressure is unknown, however, high blood pressure is easily detected and usually controllable. Because the consequences associated with high blood pressure are so serious, early detection, treatment, and control are important.
Many people do not know that they have high blood pressure. Often there are no warning signs or symptoms. There are several things that you can do to keep your blood pressure in a healthy range:
• Get your blood pressure checked regularly
• Eat a healthy diet
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Be physically active
• Limit alcohol use
• Don’t smoke
• Prevent or treat diabetes
TMHD will also be holding two low cost cholesterol screenings during the month. Low cost cholesterol screenings will be offered at the Trumbull Monroe Health District. Fasting is required. The cost for the screening is $25.00, cash and check are accepted. Appointments are required. Screenings are scheduled for:
• Thursday, February 20, from 8:45 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
• Friday, February 21, from 8:45 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
This lipid profile screening includes the total, LDL and HDL cholesterol levels, the ratio of total cholesterol to HDL, blood sugar, triglyceride levels and a blood pressure reading. A ten year risk analysis for developing coronary heart disease will be given. You will receive results within 20 minutes and be provided with one-on-one counseling from the public health nurse.
TMHD and Get Healthy CT are partners in the “Know Your Numbers” campaign. This campaign raises awareness of heart disease and diabetes among residents of Trumbull and Monroe and encourages the better management of disease. Other partners include local health departments, social service agencies, Bridgeport Hospital and St. Vincent’s Hospital.
For more information or to schedule an appointment contact TMHD at 203-452-5195. For public health information visit www.tmhd.org