BMLH Offers Blood-pressure Screenings Daily

WARE — Did you know that close to 60 million Americans have high blood pressure, but only about half of them know it? The community is invited to come to the Emergency Department at Baystate Mary Lane Hospital between the hours of 6 and 9 a.m., seven days a week, to have their blood pressure checked at no cost. No appointment is necessary.

“The staff in our emergency room is committed to encouraging our community members to take steps to better health, beginning with knowing what their blood pressure is,” said Kimberly Davis, manager of the Emergency Room.

“Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, often times has no symptoms at all, and it is a common misconception that high blood pressure is something that affects only those who are older or obese,” Davis added. “The reality is that, while our blood pressure does increase a little with age, high blood pressure can happen to anyone regardless of their age, gender, or weight, and high blood pressure can lead to heart attacks, stroke, or kidney failure. Checking blood pressures is our way of letting the community know that we care about them every day and not just when they have a health emergency.”

In addition to conducting blood-pressure assessments, the Emergency Department team is prepared to share education on blood-pressure screening, follow-up, free BP monitoring cards, and information for patients about the hospital’s primary-care practices and other relevant services upon request. For more information on Baystate Mary Lane Hospital, visit baystatehealth.org/bmlh.