Chesterfield Health District Shares the Importance of Blood Pressure Screening
February is American Heart Month
Chesterfield Health District reminds you to make sure you know your blood pressure numbers to prevent your risk of heart disease and stroke. Heart disease is the number one cause of death in Virginia. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke.
“Heart disease in the central health region is slightly more prevalent than the state average,” said Dr. Alexander Samuel, the Chesterfield Health District Director.
While health departments don’t normally see patients for chronic conditions, every nurse checks blood pressure as part of patient visits for maternity and sexual health visits.
Chesterfield Health District reported access to health care as a priority in its 2023 community health assessment. As a result, one of the initiatives in the 2025 community health improvement plan is to establish a blood pressure self-monitoring program to reach the people in our community that experience difficulty accessing health care.
My Blood Pressure, My Health is that resource:
- A four-month, evidence-based coaching program focusing on home blood pressure monitoring and nutrition education.
- The program serves low-income adults in Chesterfield who are currently experiencing high blood pressure.
- Participants commit to monthly education, twice-monthly check-ins, and measuring, tracking and reporting their blood pressure at home.
- Once enrolled, participants receive a complimentary blood pressure monitor and cuff.
“It has been wonderful to see how participants are learning more and becoming more engaged in monitoring their own health,” Richard Siefring, a My Blood Pressure, My Health coach said. “We still have openings available for people with high blood pressure.”
The American Journal of Preventive Medicine reports that home blood pressure monitoring is more convenient and effective in diagnosing and managing high blood pressure. People are more relaxed in the comfort of their own home and often have lower blood pressure than when taken in a clinical setting.
My Blood Pressure, My Health is made possible by a grant from the Jenkins Foundation. To see if you qualify for My Blood Pressure, My Health, contact the Chesterfield Health Department at 804-762-1573.