MORGANTOWN — In an effort to shed a light on blood pressure issues, the WVU Monongalia County Extension Service will hold a heart health open house Oct. 12.
The open house runs from 2-4 p.m. at the Extension office with light, heart-healthy refreshments being served.
The aim of the open house is to draw attention to the service’s new blood pressure self-monitoring station.
The station is available from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday at the Extension office at 34 Commerce Drive, Suite 106, next to the Econo Lodge in Big Lots plaza. No appointment is necessary, and visitors receive a blood pressure reading for free.
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, the Extension office says 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.
Those visiting are encouraged to avoid smoking, eating heavy meals or drinking caffeinated beverages before their readings, as those can affect your numbers. It’s also recommended to wait at least 30 minutes after exercising to check blood pressure.
It’s also a good idea to wear clothing with easy to roll up sleeves.
Info: 304-291-7201. 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.
