DPH Urges Kentuckians to Watch Blood Pressure (May is National High Blood Pressure Education Month)
Submitted by: Kentucky Department for Public Health
Contact: Brian Boisseau, Program Manager, Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Program

The Kentucky Department for Public Health is urging Kentuckians to increase their awareness of the dangers of high blood pressure throughout the month of May. “Knowing to call 911 in an emergency can save your life. So can knowing your blood pressure numbers,” said Manager of the Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Program Brian Boisseau. “Hopefully, they are less than 120/80 mmHg, which is normal.”

The purpose of National High Blood Pressure Education Month is to encourage people across the country to join the mission to "Prevent and Control High Blood Pressure." People are encouraged to ask their doctor or health care provider what their blood pressure numbers are what they mean, and what can be done to lower them if numbers fall into the pre-hypertension or hypertension categories.

“Blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of arteries and other blood vessels. It rises and falls during the day,” said Acting Undersecretary for Health William Hacker, a physician. ”When blood pressure stays high over time, it becomes high blood pressure, a dangerous condition that dramatically increases one’s chances of heart attack or stroke.” At present, heart disease and stroke are the first and third leading causes of death for Americans. It can also lead to other life-threatening conditions, such as heart failure, kidney disease and blindness, according to DPH.

More than 1 of every 3 Kentucky adults currently has high blood pressure. This includes about 2 of every 3 Kentuckians over age 65. Once you reach age 55, your chances of developing high blood pressure are 9 out of 10. Additionally, almost 1 of every 2 Kentucky African Americans has high blood pressure.

“Fortunately, it is possible to prevent and control high blood pressure. Often simple lifestyle changes can do the trick,” said Boisseau. “People with hypertension should follow health guidelines recommended by physicians and the American Heart Association. ”People diagnosed with hypertension are recommended to do the following:

• Lose weight, if necessary, and maintain a healthy weight;
• Be physically active;
• Eat less salt and sodium;
• Follow an eating plan rich in fruits and vegetables and low fat dairy foods, moderate in total fat and cholesterol, and low in saturated fat;
• Limit intake of alcoholic beverages.

If these lifestyle changes aren't enough to reduce your blood pressure, your doctor may prescribe medication. Work closely with your doctor to find the best dose, and then take your medication as your doctor prescribes.

“So join the Mission,” Boisseau added. ”Find out what your blood pressure numbers are and what they mean; then make gradual lifestyle changes and, if necessary, take your medications. It can save your life.”

For more information on how to prevent and control high blood pressure, visit "Your Guide to Controlling High Blood Pressure" online at http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/hbp/index.html.


National Employee Health and Fitness Day - May 17, 2006
Submitted by: Kentucky Department for Public Health
Contact: Jennye M. Grider

The Worksite Wellness Committee is encouraging state workers to take part in National Employee Health and Fitness Day, the largest such campaign in the country. Health and Fitness Day is designed to promote the benefits of physical activity and healthy lifestyle by encouraging employees to be more active and healthy. State agencies are encouraged to hold fun events at their work sites on this day or during that week.

There are many benefits to increasing your physical activity at work. Even brief bursts of activity, like a 10-minute walk, can improve your concentration, creativity and performance. To assess your activity level at work, wear a pedometer. Since every step counts, wearing a pedometer is a wonderful motivator to walk more during your workday.

Here are some more recommendations from the Kentucky Department for Public Health:

• Walk around your office.
There is no need to sit still while you talk on the phone or think. Pacing and fidgeting are physical activity.

• Walk around your building.
Sometimes a face-to-face talk is the best way to communicate (and it gets you up and moving around).

• Walk up (and down) stairs.
If you have a choice, always take the stairs. If you have stairs, take as many trips up and down as possible.

• Walk around the block.
Got a coffee break? Got a few free minutes? Take a walk outside and get some fresh air (and extra steps).

• Walk and talk.
Need to discuss something with a co-worker? A walking meeting can be more productive and healthier too!

• Lift weights while you talk.
Keep a weight near the telephone; pick it up when you get a call and pump your arms while you talk.

• Take a weight break.
Feeling tired and bogged down? Take 5-10 minutes to lift your hand weights and get your blood flowing.

• Work your abs.
You can strengthen tummy muscles while sitting in a chair. Sit straight, tighten muscles and release. Repeat.

• Stretch your arms and legs.
Stuck at your desk? Use resistance band for a 5-10 minute stretch. Your mind and body will be more flexible.

• Stretch your stress away.
Tension in your shoulders, neck and back is easy to release with standing stretches and a resistance band.

Healthy at Heart™ Screenings
May 24: 8:30 am – 2 pm CST – Adams Village Community Room, 519 Dieterie Dr., North Owensboro
May 25: 8 am – 2 pm CST – Housing Authority of Hopkinsville, Pennyrile Community Room, 400 N. Elm St., Hopkinsville                                                                            June 1: 9 am – 12 pm – Boyd Co. Senior Citizens Center, 3015 Louisa St., Catlettsburg

View the Cabinet for Health & Family Services (CFHS) Wellness Website.                   

CHFS Focus on Wellness monthly newsletter

National Women's Health Indicators Database                                          National, regional, state and county data are available by gender, race, ethnicity and age at the National Women's Health Indicators Database.  The website allows users to customize tables, graphs and maps.