Horizon Health Care Observes High Blood Pressure Awareness Month with Free,
No-Appointment Blood Pressure Checks at its Medical Clinics Across the State
(HOWARD, SD) – Horizon Health Care, Inc., a rural, community-based network providing affordable, high-quality primary healthcare throughout 15 medical and dental clinics in South Dakota, honors High Blood Pressure/Hypertension Awareness Month with free, no-appointment blood pressure checks for all members of the community.
“Complications of uncontrolled high blood pressure include heart attack, stroke, congestive heart failure, kidney failure, artery disease and aneurysms,” said Dr. Lance Lim, Medical Director at Horizon Health Care. “By helping people know their numbers through free blood pressure checks on a walk-in basis, we can play a large role in keeping our community healthy,” said Dr. Lim.
So what do blood pressure numbers mean exactly? The first, higher number is the systolic pressure the heart generates when it pumps out blood to the rest of the body. The second, lower number is the diastolic pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between beats. Healthy blood pressure is 120/80 or lower; anything between that and 139/89 is considered prehypertension and any reading of 140/90 or greater is considered hypertension.
“High blood pressure, or hypertension, is one of the most preventable conditions around, but hypertension related heart disease and stroke are the first and third leading causes of death for both men and women in our South Dakota communities.” said Dr. Lance Lim.
Dr. Lim counsels that people at any age can take steps each day to keep blood pressure levels normal. If you already have high blood pressure, medications may be prescribed in addition to lifestyle changes such as exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, managing stress, and eating a low-sodium diet that's rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products.
Free, no-appointment blood pressure checks are offered during High Blood Pressure Awareness Month and throughout the year at all Horizon Health Care clinics. For locations and hours of operation, please visit www.horizonhealthcare.org.
For over 30 years, Horizon Health Care, Inc. has been providing personalized, affordable, high-quality primary healthcare through a rural, community-based network of 15 medical and dental clinics throughout South Dakota. Horizon serves the health care and dental needs of South Dakotans in rural, medically underserved areas through 63,000 patient visits annually in the following communities: Bryant, DeSmet, Howard, Lake Preston, Martin, Mission, Plankinton, Springfield, Wessington Springs, White River and Woonsocket. For more information please visit www.horizonhealthcare.org
