Check Out Books and Your Blood Pressure
February is American Heart Month and Library Lovers Month. Did you know you can celebrate both of these at the Johnson County Central Resource Library? LiveWell Johnson County, the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment and the Johnson County Library recently teamed up to offer patrons a way to monitor their blood pressure. The large pharmacy-style machine is free and easy to use. Just put your arm in the cuff and follow the instructions on the touch screen. Pick up a paper tracking card to record your readings over time, or create a username and password on the machine and store the information digitally.
Why Check Your Blood Pressure
Monitoring blood pressure is easy and non-invasive. But don’t read that as not important. Uncontrolled high blood pressure is called “the silent killer” because it can cause damage to the body without symptoms. Hypertension that is not managed with medication or lifestyle change–yes, the same old healthy diet and physical activity routine–can lead to heart attacks, strokes and other serious health conditions. Think these things can’t happen to you? Think again. One in three deaths in the U.S. each year is caused by cardiovascular disease, which includes both heart attacks and strokes.
Not Just An Older Adult Concern
High blood pressure doesn’t just happen to older adults. In fact, one in four men and nearly one in five women ages 35-44 has high blood pressure. It is important for everyone to know their numbers.
This February do your heart and mind a favor. Stop by the Johnson County Central Resource Library, 9875 W 87th St. Overland Park, to check out a book and your blood pressure. Your heart will thank you for it!