Listen to this week's episode of Give'm Health, with Amy May a Health Educator at the Bear River Health Department and learn about blood pressure and where to check out a blood pressure kit for free.
Importance of Men's Health Month
June isn't just about Father's Day; it is also Men's Health Month, making it the perfect time for men to focus on their well-being. One of the most critical areas to pay attention to is cardiovascular health—specifically, high blood pressure. Surprisingly, over half of Americans aged 20 and older have high blood pressure, making it a very common issue.
Here is what you need to know about protecting your heart and taking control of your health.
What is High Blood Pressure?
Defining Hypertension and Its Risks
Blood pressure is simply the force of blood moving through your body's blood vessels, and high blood pressure (medically known as hypertension) occurs when this force is too strong. When you visit the doctor, a standard, healthy blood pressure reading is typically around 120/80. If your numbers are consistently higher than that, it is time to have a conversation with your physician.
High blood pressure has earned the menacing nickname of “the silent killer” because it doesn't present any immediate symptoms. You might feel completely fine while your blood pressure is dangerously high. This lack of warning signs is why regular monitoring is essential; if left unchecked, hypertension can ultimately lead to devastating consequences like a heart attack or a stroke.
Taking Control: Prevention and Management
Lifestyle Strategies for Prevention
While you cannot control certain risk factors like your age or family history, there is a lot you can do to manage your risk. The fundamental steps to a healthy heart involve everyday lifestyle choices:
Don't Smoke: Avoiding smoking or secondhand smoke is one of the best things you can do. If you are in Utah, you can use a free cessation resource called Way to Quit at waytoquit.org.
Stay Active and Eat Right: Make sure you are physically active, maintain a healthy weight, and eat a proper diet while avoiding excessive drinking.
Manage Existing Conditions: Keep a close eye on managing diabetes and high cholesterol.
It is always easier to build these healthy habits from the start rather than having to completely alter an ingrained lifestyle later on—but making a change is always worth it.
A Unique Resource to Track Your Health at Home
Using Local Blood Pressure Kits
If you get nervous at the doctor's office—a phenomenon known as “white coat syndrome”—it can artificially spike your blood pressure reading. To help solve this, the state health department offers a fantastic resource called the lending library interactive map.
This program allows you to check out a blood pressure kit from partnering medical clinics and local libraries. You can take the kit home for one to two weeks, monitor your blood pressure in a comfortable environment, and then bring those consistent readings back to your doctor. With accurate, day-to-day data, your doctor can create a much better treatment plan for you.
If you ever need extra help or resources, local organizations like the Bear River Health Department are always available. This June, take a moment to evaluate your health, start monitoring those numbers, and make the changes needed to stick around for your family for years to come.
Click Here to Find a Free Blood Pressure Kit Near You
