Blood Pressure Checks
The Worksite Wellness Committee is sponsoring a blood pressure self-monitoring program for DHSS employees.
| Blood pressure monitoring kits are available in these locations: | |
|---|---|
| 912 Wildwood | First floor break room (M-F 8:30-4:00) |
| 920 Wildwood | Main break room (Monday - Friday) |
| 930 Wildwood | Sycamore breakroom (Monday - Friday) |
| Knipp Building | Health Check-up Station - Suite F (Monday - Friday) |
| State Health Lab | Second Floor Breakroom (M-F) |
| Region 2 Poplar Bluff | Back Hall outside of conference room (M-F) |
| Northwest Office Raytown | Southwestern corner conference room/6th floor (M-F) |
| Southeast Office | DHSS file cabinet area (M-F 8:00 - 4:00) |
| Joplin | Conference Room, within the Jasper Co DHSS office, Joplin (M-F) |
| Neosho | 2nd floor (M-F) |
| Eastern District (220 S. Jefferson) | Lactation Room/Wellness Area near ITSD staff (M-F) |
| Eastern District (Hillsboro) | Blue conference table (M-F 2pm-5pm) |
Each kit has a blood pressure cuff, self-tracking cards, and information about blood pressure and how to manage or prevent high blood pressure. If your location does not have a kit here are instructions on how to develop one.
Why Monitor Blood Pressure?
Many of us often ignore our blood pressure but carefully monitoring it could help save your life.
- Untreated high blood pressure, also called hypertension or HBP, can lead to serious health conditions including heart attack and heart failure, stroke and kidney failure.
- HBP is often called “the silent killer” because you may not feel anything is wrong.
- HBP can permanently damage your heart, brain, eyes and kidneys before you feel anything.
Tips to get accurate blood pressure readings:
- Use the restroom before taking a reading.
- Wait at least 30 minutes after having consumed caffeine, alcohol, medicine, or herbal remedies.
- Rest and relax for around four or five minutes beforehand (sitting or lying down).
- Follow the recommended procedure for taking your blood pressure based on the type of device you're using (digital blood pressure monitor or manual blood pressure methods).
What are the numbers?
Blood pressure numbers are described as 120 over 80, for example. The first number (120) called systolic pressure is your pressure when your heart beats. The second number (80) called diastolic pressure is your pressure when your heart relaxes.
For more information about blood pressure, visit the Mayo Clinic and the American Heart Association.