Gov. Gordon Proclaims May as High Blood Pressure Education Month

In recognition of the critical importance of raising awareness about high blood pressure, Gov. Mark Gordon will officially proclaim May as High Blood Pressure Education Month.

This proclamation aims to highlight the prevalence of high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, and encourage residents to “know their numbers” by checking out a blood pressure kit available at their county library. These kits have been made available by a collaboration among the University of Wyoming Center on Aging (WyCOA), the Wyoming Department of Health Chronic Disease Prevention Program and each county public library system.

In all, 252 blood pressure monitoring kits are available at 67 Wyoming public libraries.

High blood pressure affects people of all ages, with approximately one in three Americans living with the condition, often unknowingly. When left uncontrolled, hypertension can lead to serious health issues, including heart disease. High blood pressure develops when blood flows through the arteries at higher-than-normal pressures. Risk factors include age, family history, race and ethnicity, stress and unhealthy lifestyle choices.

WyCOA will be furthering May’s High Blood Pressure Education promotion by launching an educational campaign that will be presented at targeted rodeos throughout the state during June and July. The campaign features the world’s best bull fighter, Meeteetse’s own Dusty Tuckness, who asks, “Are you tough enough to know your numbers?”  

Sen. John Barrasso also has joined the cause by providing public service announcements that will be shared statewide. The campaign will reach Wyomingites in places where they spend their summers to encourage even the toughest cowboys and cowgirls to know their blood pressure numbers.

Andrea Shipley, WyCOA regional coordinator, emphasizes the importance of education and action in combating high blood pressure.

“High blood pressure is a silent killer. We must empower our communities with the knowledge and tools to prevent and control high blood pressure as we know that this is often one of the first indications that there is a larger health issue,” Shipley says. “By creating awareness, we can significantly reduce the risk of hypertension and its associated health problems.”

Residents are encouraged to have their blood pressure checked regularly by their health care providers. Healthy blood pressure is typically less than 120/80 mm Hg. For those with high readings, health care providers can offer guidance on ways to lower blood pressure, including self-measurement at home.

Education is the first step in reducing the risks associated with high blood pressure. For information and tools to track your numbers; ask the right questions; get accurate readings; and understand prevention and control strategies, go to Heart Disease | Wyoming Center on Aging | University of Wyoming.

For more information, email Shipley at ashiple4@uwyo.edu.