May is High Blood Pressure Awareness Month: Learn About Blood Pressure
May is a special month because it’s High Blood Pressure Awareness Month. This is a time when we learn a lot about blood pressure and why it’s important to keep it in the normal range. Pillar Health and Kenosha Community Health Center are here to help everyone in Kenosha, Racine, and Walworth counties maintain a healthy blood pressure.
What is Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is how hard your blood pushes against the sides of your blood vessels as it moves around your body. It’s like the pressure of water in a hose. Doctors look at two numbers to measure blood pressure. The top number is the pressure when your heart beats. The bottom number is the pressure when your heart is resting. A normal blood pressure is usually around 120/80 mmHg.
Why Does Blood Pressure Matter?
High blood pressure can be dangerous because it can sneak up on you because it doesn’t make you feel sick but can cause serious problems like heart disease or strokes. That’s why it’s called the “silent killer.” Keeping your blood pressure normal helps keep your heart and body healthy.
Tips to Lower Your Blood Pressure:
- Eat Healthy: Eat lots of fruits, vegetables, grains, and lean proteins. Try to eat less fat, salt, and junk food.
- Stay Active: Try to play or exercise for about 150 minutes every week. This could be walking, biking, swimming or playing a sport.
- Drink Less Soda and Don’t Smoke: Smoking and drinking a lot of soda can make your blood pressure go up. It’s healthier to stop these habits.
- Relax: Feeling stressed all the time can also make your blood pressure high. Try to relax with activities like deep breathing or outdoor activities.
- Check Your Blood Pressure Often: It’s good to know what your blood pressure is. This helps you and helps your doctor keep you healthy.
Where and How to Test Your Blood Pressure:
You can have your blood pressure checked at Pillar Health and Kenosha Community Health Center. We have tools to measure it, and a care team to help you understand your numbers. Stores, such as the local pharmacy, also have machines where you can check it for free. You might even get a blood pressure monitor to use at home.
The month of May is a great time to learn about your blood pressure and how to keep it in a healthy, normal range. Come check your blood pressure with us! Make an appointment today at Pillar Health and Kenosha Community Health Center for your annual physical. We’re excited to help you keep your heart healthy. For more information or to set up a visit, please contact us or check out our website. Let’s take care of your heart together this May and all year long!
SIMPLE GUIDE ON NORMAL BLOOD PRESSURE
Blood pressure is how hard your blood pushes against the sides of your blood vessels. It’s measured in two numbers and can be different for kids, teenagers, and adults. Here’s a simple guide on what normal blood pressure usually looks like for different ages:
Children (1 to 13 years old):
- For young kids, normal blood pressure changes as they grow. It usually ranges from about 75-100 for the top number and 50-70 for the bottom number. These numbers get higher as kids get older.
Teenagers (14 to 18 years old):
- Boys: Normal is usually between 105-135 for the top number and 60-90 for the bottom number.
- Girls: Normal is usually between 100-130 for the top number and 60-90 for the bottom number.
Adults (18 years old and up):
- For both men and women, a normal blood pressure is about 120 for the top number and 80 for the bottom number (120/80).
- If the top number is between 120-129 and the bottom number is less than 80, it’s still considered okay, but getting a bit high.
- High blood pressure starts when the top number is 130 or higher, or the bottom number is 80 or higher.
Remember, these numbers are just a guide. Everyone is different, so it’s a good idea to talk to your Primary Care Provider about what’s best for you. They can help you understand your blood pressure and what you can do to keep it healthy.
Do not wait to schedule your appointment.
Kenosha Community Health Center has many appointment options in Kenosha and Silver Lake to meet your needs.
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