New blood pressure hubs to prevent ‘Silent Killer’ in North Canton
NORTH CANTON (March 10, 2024) – Nearly half of U.S. adults have high blood pressure, but many don’t even know they have it. If left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to serious health problems like a heart attack or stroke. For these reasons, high blood pressure, or hypertension, is known as the “silent killer.”
Since the only way for a person to know if they have high blood pressure is to have their numbers checked, the American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, installed two brand-new blood pressure hubs on Monday, March 10 at the North Canton Public Library (185 N. Main St., North Canton, OH 44720) and the North Canton Civic Center (845 W Maple St, North Canton, OH 44720).
The hubs are made possible by local funding from the Bill Phillips Legacy Foundation.
“We are working to make sure everyone, everywhere has the opportunity to live a longer, healthier life,” said Gabbi Roszman, Community Impact Director for the American Heart Association in Northeast Ohio. “By meeting people where they are, we are empowering community members across North Canton to know their numbers and take a stand against the ‘silent killer.’ This is one of many ways we are breaking down barriers to health equity in our community.”
With these hubs, people in North Canton now have access to a blood pressure (BP) monitor, American Heart Association guided materials on how to properly measure BP, an explanation of what their numbers mean and a contact list of medical providers for anyone who needs follow-up.
“This initiative is all about saving lives,” said Andrea Legg, Director of the North Canton Public Library. “When I was 25 weeks pregnant, I happened to check my blood pressure at a Drug Mart while picking up a prescription and discovered it was extremely high. It was that blood pressure hub that saved my life, as I was diagnosed with severe pre-eclampsia shortly afterwards and had to deliver my baby the following week. I would have had no idea that my life and the life of my baby were in such danger if it wasn’t for that blood pressure machine. The fact that we can bring these life-saving devices to our North Canton community is an incredible honor.”
Blood pressure numbers of less than 120/80 mm Hg are considered within the normal range. If your results fall into this category, stick with heart-healthy habits like following a balanced diet and getting regular exercise. People with elevated blood pressure are likely to develop high blood pressure unless steps are taken to control the condition.
To learn more about blood pressure and how you can keep yours in check, visit www.heart.org/bloodpressure.
In addition to these hubs in North Canton, community members can also find blood pressure machines at multiple Stark Library branches.
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries:
Chelsea Caldwell; chelsea.caldwell@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
