Category Archives: Katie Gibson

February is Heart Health Month

TELLURIDE, Colo. (Feb. 10, 2014) – America has a heart disease burden; about 600,000 people die of heart disease in the United States every year – that’s 1 in every 4 deaths. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) heart disease and stroke are leading causes of death for both men and women. The CDC reports that about 1 in 3 U.S. adults have high blood pressure (hypertension) which increases the risk for heart disease and stroke. Additionally, in 2010 the CDC reported that 8.3% of the U.S. population was affected by diabetes, another disease closely linked to heart disease.
Heart disease has affected many families. Yet, diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease are some of the most preventable and manageable chronic diseases. Prevention starts with taking a blood pressure reading along with a simple blood test. If tests indicate some level of risk, management of these chronic diseases can occur through diet, exercise, and sometimes medication.
Often thought of as silent diseases, high cholesterol and high blood pressure usually have no signs or symptoms. This makes it all the more important to know your cholesterol, blood glucose, and blood pressure numbers. People at any age can take steps to maintain their cardiovascular health.
Tri-County Health Network offers free risk health screenings to community members age 18+ to help identify their heart risk. TCHNetwork Community Health Workers (CHWs) test your blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and BMI at no cost. CHWs serve as a liaison between the community and health care system. During screening CHWs asses the participant’s readiness to make lifestyle changes to gain control of their health and subsequently motivate the development of a personalized action plan to promote healthy lifestyle choices. A CHW also offers 1 to 1 peer support to clients depending on their personal needs and goals.
In the spirit of National Heart Health Month Tri-County Health Network is offering free blood pressure screenings to the community during the month of February and have collaborated with our local libraries to showcase Heart Healthy Books. We will also continue to offer our free health risk screenings to uninsured and underinsured individuals.
BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENINGS – No appointments necessary
• TELLURIDE – February 26th, Sunshine Pharmacy from Noon-1pm
• OURAY – February 28th, Ouray Library from 2:45-3:15pm
• NORWOOD – Every Saturday at the Farmers Market from 10am-Noon
BP or HEART HEALTH SCREENINGS – Appointments recommended
• TELLURIDE – February 12th & February 26th, Wilkinson Public Library 10:15-5pm
• RIDGWAY – February 11th & February 25, Ridgway Library 10:15-5pm
• NORWOOD – every Monday at Tri-County Health Network satellite office 9-3pm
• NATURITA – every Wednesday and Thursday at Naturita Library 10-3pm
• PARADOX – every Tuesday at Paradox School Library 8-11am
TO LEARN MORE OR SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT
Contact Katy Gibson at 303-304-0719 for Telluride, Ouray and Ridgway venues
Contact Deon Tempfer at 970-327-4004 for Westend venues.

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