On the first Wednesday of each month, Queen Creek firefighters provide free blood pressure checks. Stop by the Library Recreation Annex at 21802 S. Ellsworth Road from 9-10 a.m. to receive yours.
According to the Center for Disease Control, high blood pressure increases your risk for heart disease and stroke, which are the first and third leading causes of death in the United States.
High Blood Pressure Facts
• About one out of three U.S. adults—31.3%—has high blood pressure.
• High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, congestive heart failure, and kidney disease.
• High blood pressure was listed as a primary or contributing cause of death for 326,000 Americans in 2006.
• About 70% of those with high blood pressure and took medication had their high blood pressure controlled. The control rate was 46.6% among all hypertensive patients.
• 25% of American adults have prehypertension—blood pressure numbers that are higher than normal, but not yet in the high blood pressure range. Prehypertension raises your risk for high blood pressure.
Prevention Tips
• Eat a healthy diet.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Be physically active.
• Don’t smoke.
• Limit alcohol use.
High blood pressure is called the “silent killer” because many people don’t realize they have it. Have yours checked today.