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May is blood pressure awareness month
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CopyMay is not just for Mothers' Day any more. May is also National High Blood Pressure Awareness month.
High blood pressure is the leading risk factor for heart attacks, strokes and cardiovascular diseases, which together form the number one killer among women in the United States.
But women are not the only ones affected by hypertension (high blood pressure). Known as the "silent killer," this condition is diagnosed in one third of American adults over the age of 20. That statistic translates to 73.6 million people nationwide.
Over half of all Americans aged 60 and over have high blood pressure.
Regular blood pressure check-ups with your doctor or dentist can help you assess your risk of developing high blood pressure, and can help you manage it if you already have it.
"People have many options for screening locations," dentist Dr. Tom Whitfield of Cheney Dental Care said. "Including medical offices, dental offices and many pharmacies. We strongly advocate regular blood pressure screenings."
"If heart disease runs in your family, or if you have feelings of fatigue even after you've had plenty of sleep, be especially aware of your risk of high blood pressure," Whitfield continued. "Also, the presence of periodontal (gum) disease can increase your chances of heart disease by 168 percent."
High blood pressure can often be controlled through exercise and healthy diet. If diet and exercise are not enough, your healthcare professionals may prescribe medication to lower blood pressure.
Take the time to check your blood pressure this month, and do what is necessary to avoid this deadly disease.
For more information on this issue, contact your dentist or send an email to Cheney Dental Care at info@cheneydental.com.
Copyright 2010 Cheney Free Press, Cheney, Washington. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from SmallTownPapers, Inc.
© 2010 Cheney Free Press Cheney, Washington. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.
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