The Blood Pressure Squad, a group of volunteer medical professionals, has taken more than 2,000 blood pressure readings since launching an awareness effort last year.
“That’s amazing in our town of 12,000, but our goal is by the end of 2017 to reach 4,000,” said Dave Anderson, a retired physician and program organizer. “That will save a lot of lives,” Anderson said. Remember the facts: high blood pressure contributes to 1,100 deaths per day in the United States, which is almost as bad as smoking. And as I like to say, you know if you smoke, but you may not know you have high blood pressure.”
To help raise awareness about the campaign, the group has new bumper sticker designed to catch attention and reming people to protect their heart by getting their blood pressure checked regularly.
In addition to a stationary blood pressure machine at the Healdsburg Library, the group is visiting churches and clubs to take blood pressure readings. “Our goal is to have everyone in Healdsburg know their blood pressure,” Anderson said.
– Ray Holley
