Parsons, W.Va. – One in three adults has high blood pressure, and only half of those that know they do have it under control. Many more don’t know they have high blood pressure, which can lead to a sudden heart attack, stroke, heart failure, kidney disease, vision loss and sexual dysfunction.
However, one of the easiest ways to monitor your overall heart health is checking your blood pressure frequently and knowing your numbers in addition to talking to, and scheduling regular appointments with, your primary care doctor.
The West Virginia University Extension Service has made it easier to check your blood pressure with self-monitoring station in Tucker County. Simply come in to the WVU Extension Service office from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm located at 215 First Street in the basement of the courthouse , follow the instructions, get your numbers, take information and be on your way. It’s free and no appointment is necessary.
Before your visit, there are a few key tips to note about getting an accurate reading. While exercise is great, it could potentially cause an inaccurate reading, so wait thirty minutes after exercising to check your blood pressure. Additionally, avoid smoking, eating heavy meals and drinking caffeinated beverages before your reading. Wearing clothing with sleeves that are easily rolled up is necessary to place the cuff against the skin to get an accurate reading as well.
To raise awareness about these stations being set up in our county and let the public come try the station for themselves, there will be a heart health open house at the Extension office on Tuesday, October 2 from noon to 7pm. Light, heart-healthy refreshments will be served.
For questions regarding the program in Tucker County, please call the WVU Tucker County Extension Service office at 304-478-2949 ext:209. Additional locations around the state can be found at https://extension.wvu.edu/food-health/heart-health/blood-pressure-stations.
This program is sponsored by a grant from the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health.
