Peninsula Home Care Gives the Gift of Prevention Through Free Blood Pressure Screenings during Heart Month
Published on - February 7, 2018SALISBURY, MD – What better gift this Valentine’s Day than a lifetime of heart health. Throughout the month of February Peninsula Home Care is helping by offering free blood pressure screenings in recognition of National Heart Month. High blood pressure often shows no signs or symptoms, which is why having regular checks is important.
The free screenings, available to all community members, will be offered in the following Maryland and Delaware locations:
PHC Free Blood Pressure Screenings
- Tuesday, February 6th at 10:00am at the Pocomoke Senior Center
- Friday, February 9th at 9:30am at the Nanticoke Senior Center
- Monday, February 12th at 10:00am at the Woodlands of Ocean Pines
- Tuesday, February 13th at 10:00am at the Berlin Senior Center
- Tuesday, February 12th at 3:15pm at Gull Creek
- Tuesday, February 20th at 10:00am at the Laurel Senior Center
- Tuesday, February 27th at 10:00am at the Snow Hill Senior Center
Preventative Power is in Your Hands! “We are encouraging people to take charge of their health by making manageable changes to their lifestyle that will help both heart health and overall health,” said Nancy Bagwell, Peninsula Home Care Area Director of Operations. “You won’t miss our team when they are out in the community visiting patients. They will be wearing red Peninsula Home Care gloves that will serve as a reminder that February is National Heart Month – a time to make heart health a priority.”
Almost half of all Americans have at least one of three key risk factors for heart disease: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or the use of tobacco products. While some risk factors for heart disease cannot be controlled, such as age and family history, steps can be taken to lower the risk by changing factors that can be controlled.
- Eating a healthy diet – limit salt; eat more fruits and veggies and choose whole grains
- Maintaining a healthy weight – control portion size
- Getting enough physical activity – even walking can make a positive impact
- Not smoking or using other forms of tobacco
- Limiting alcohol use
The Silent Heart Attack
While prevention is key, recognizing the signs of a heart emergency are just as critical. For many, these are obvious such as pain in the chest, shortness of breath and cold sweats. While others may not even know they are experiencing a heart attack. With minimal symptoms, a silent heart attack is like any other heart attack where blood flow to a section of the heart is temporarily blocked and can cause scarring and damage to the heart muscle.
- Studies suggest silent heart attacks are more common in women who may be more likely to chalk up symptoms of a silent heart attack to anxiety and dismiss them.
- The risk factors for a silent heart attack are the same as those for a recognized heart attack, and include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, family history of heart disease, obesity and age.
- A silent heart attack can be just as dangerous because the event often leaves scarring and damage to the heart, putting the person at greater risk of other heart problems.
What can you do? – Advocate for yourself!
Knowing what to do can save a life. Here are a few steps to take to help get necessary medical attention.
- Stay calm and call 911 immediately
- When you get to the hospital, make it clear that you think you may be having a heart attack and not an anxiety attack.
- In addition to knowing the risk factors – listen to your body, and if something isn’t right, talk to a doctor.
About Peninsula Home Care
Providing skilled nursing, physical, occupational and speech therapy for more than 30 years, Peninsula Home Care ensures that all patients are involved in their plan of care and strives to give them every opportunity to maintain their independence in the home. The agency has served more than 50,000 patients in Wicomico, Worcester and Somerset counties in Maryland and Sussex and Kent counties in Delaware. In 2017, PHC and PHCN were designated as Preferred Home Care Provider by Peninsula Regional Medical Center and Nanticoke Health Services.
