PARISH HEALTH MINISTRY

Is There a Beast Stalking You?

This may seem like a rude and ugly question to have someone ask you.  However, it is important to realize that high blood pressure is like a beast or predator stalking you. You never see the beast until it strikes and devours its prey. High blood pressure is often called the “silent killer” for the same reason. Many people do not know they have it or because they “feel good” with no big symptoms, they ignore it or do not take their medicine. Just because you do not see or feel the small changes in your body does not mean they are not happening. When enough small changes happen, the BIGGIE happens. This includes heart attack, stroke, kidneys not working or blindness.  Remember to check your blood pressure, take your medicine, DO NOT SMOKE, and see your doctor.  Other things that you can do to help keep your blood pressure good are exercise like walking, keeping a healthy weight and if you have diabetes keeping a normal blood sugar.

 Parish Healthcare Ministry will be providing free blood pressure screening on the third Sunday of each month from Sept. 2022 – May, 2023 in the dining room of the school from 9:30 am – 10:00 am.