Monitor Your Blood Pressure Regularly
MONITOR YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE REGULARLY
Measure your blood pressure regularly to help your health care team diagnose any health concerns early. You and your health care team can take steps to control your blood pressure if it is too high.
Talk with your health care team about regularly measuring your blood pressure at home, also called self-measured blood pressure (SMBP) monitoring.
SMBP means you regularly use a personal blood pressure measurement device at home, work, or another setting outside of a doctor’s office or hospital. These blood pressure monitors are safe and easy to use. If you need assistance, a health care team member can help.
Evidence shows that people with high blood pressure are more likely to lower their blood pressure if they use SMBP combined with support from their health care team than if they do not use SMBP.
For more info on measuring your blood pressure click here.
Click here to download a blood pressure log.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. 1 in 3 women in the U.S. has been a victim of domestic violence, regardless of age, economic status, race, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. Violence and trauma can lead to chronic health problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease, depression, and cancer.
If you know a friend of loved one who is being abused, there are things you can do to help:
- Set up a time to talk. Try to make sure you have privacy and won't be distracted or interrupted. Let her know you're concerned about her safety.
- Be supportive. Listen to her. It may be very hard for her to talk about the abuse. Tell her that she is not alone, and that people want to help.
- Offer specific help. You might say you are willing to just listen, to help her with childcare, or to provide transportation, for example.
- Keep in mind that you can't "rescue" your friend. She has to be the one to decide it's time to get help. Support her no matter what her decision.
- Let your friend know that you will always be there no matter what.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON:
Warning signs:
https://www.womenshealth.gov/relationships-and-safety/signs-abuse?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery#a
Mental Illness Awareness Week
MENTAL ILLNESS AWARENESS WEEK
Each year, 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness, 1 in 25 experience serious mental illness and 17% of youth (6-17 year old) experience a mental health disorder. Millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental health condition. However, mental illness affects everyone directly or indirectly through family, friends or coworkers. Despite mental illnesses’ reach and prevalence, stigma and misunderstanding are unfortunately, widespread.
Some are lucky enough to find stability and peace with their disorder, potentially including therapy and a medication regimen that works for them. Others never find solace, and many are unfortunately lost to suicide. There is always hope, especially when communities understand what the world is like when you have mental illness.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
What People with Mental Illness Want You to Know - https://nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/October-2020/What-People-with-Mental-Illness-Want-You-to-Know
Mental Health Care Matters - https://www.nami.org/NAMI/media/NAMI-Media/Infographics/NAMI-Mental-Health-Care-Matters-FINAL.pdf
The Ripple Effect of Mental Illness - https://www.nami.org/NAMI/media/NAMI-Media/Infographics/NAMI-Impact-Ripple-Effect-FINAL.pdf
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
