Residents of the Greater Alliance area will benefit from a gift courtesy of the American Heart Association.
The nonprofit installed a blood pressure hub in June at The Commons, 405 S. Linden Ave. in Alliance. It also provided a second item, a mobile blood pressure hub that will be available at all community events, such as meals and educational programs.
“These two blood pressure monitors will provide the community with tools that will enable them to have knowledge of a health condition that can go undetected, and therefore untreated for many people,” Danille C. Kemp, health program coordinator for University of Mount Union, said in a June news release. “We are thankful to the American Heart Association for providing us with a tool that can help us save lives right here in our community.”
Community members have access to a free blood pressure monitor, American Heart Association guided materials on how to properly measure your blood pressure, an explanation of what their numbers mean and a contact list of medical providers for anyone who needs follow-up.
Other Stark County locations with similar hubs include North Canton Public Library along with Stark Library branches in Canton, Canton Township, East Canton, Perry Township, Plain Township, along with the main branch in Canton.
“One of the only ways to know if you have high blood pressure is to get your numbers checked,” said Gabbi Roszman, community impact director for the American Heart Association in Northeast Ohio. “That’s why we are installing these hubs – to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere.”
Blood pressure numbers of less than 120/80 mm Hg are considered within the normal range. If your results fall into this category, stick with heart-healthy habits like following a balanced diet and getting regular exercise. People with elevated blood pressure are likely to develop high blood pressure unless steps are taken to control the condition.
This article originally appeared on The Alliance Review: Alliance gets 2 blood pressure units for community use
Reporting by Alliance Review / The Alliance Review
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