By Sarah Poole
Community Impact Director, American Heart Association
Did you know that nearly half of all Americans have high blood pressure? Also called hypertension, high blood pressure often doesn’t have any symptoms and the only way to know you have high blood pressure is to have your blood pressure checked. High blood pressure can lead to increased chances of having a stroke, heart attack and heart failure, among other health issues.
The American Heart Association has partnered with the Kent District Library to launch a Libraries with Heart program to support area residents in monitoring their own blood pressure numbers. The new program, supported by the Michigan Health Endowment Fund, provides self-monitoring blood pressure kits for library patrons to check out at each of the 20 Kent District Library sites around Kent County.
The American Heart Association recognizes that libraries in West Michigan play a critical role in providing free resources for area residents and the Kent District Library has been on the cutting edge of this effort offering everything from outdoor games and camping equipment to metal detectors, to GoPro cameras, and now blood pressure monitoring kits in their Beyond Books Collection. Each library branch location has been equipped with at least one blood pressure kit available to be checked out by individuals for three weeks at a time. The kits contain a simple blood pressure monitoring device, cuffs appropriate for all arm sizes, educational materials and clear instructions on how to accurately take a blood pressure reading using the monitor.
Educational materials contained in each of the kits are provided in both English and Spanish and include information on healthy eating, exercise, and other healthy lifestyle choices, as well as pictures and QR code links to videos showing how to accurately take a blood pressure reading. In addition, the materials include contact information for local clinics that can provide low or no cost medical care for eligible area residents.
While home blood pressure monitors are easy to use and the American Heart Association encourages individuals to check their blood pressure at home, only a health care professional can make a formal diagnosis of high blood pressure. The American Heart Association recommends If your blood pressure readings are high, that you follow up with a health care professional right away. It’s important to note library staff are unable to provide medical advice. For additional resources, visit www.heart.org/managemybp.
Place a hold on a blood pressure monitor today!
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