The Hypertension Awareness Team (HAT) was at Polo Park Shopping Centre this past Saturday, seeing 76 people at their blood pressure booth – while educating them on blood pressure management or prevention.
Participants had their blood pressure measured manually, then by an automated machine, and met with a dietitian to receive nutrition and lifestyle counseling on the prevention and management of hypertension.
“With every person we see with each of our campaigns we hope to educate the public a little more, improve their health a little more, and as a result improve their quality of life a little more.” Says Stephanie Caligiuri, team coordinator and PhD student in the Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences.
Caligiuri adds “Some of the most popular questions asked by the participants were: how accurate are those blood pressure machines in the pharmacy? What does the top and bottom number mean for a blood pressure reading? Is my blood pressure normal? And specific questions on diets and supplements. As a team, we were able to answer all questions and concerns of the participants. We hope to educate them on awareness of their blood pressure, awareness of the concern with high blood pressure, and to understand how powerful our diet and lifestyle are when it comes to our blood pressure”. Participants were also educated on clinical trials being carried out at St. Boniface Hospital looking at the ability of foods and natural health products to improve health.
The Hypertension Awareness Team: (L-R rear) Meagan Einarson, Viktoriya Mozolevska and Stephanie Caligiuri (Front) Jen Bewza and Gail Pierce. Missing: Alex Austria Grant Pierce