On May 10, residents from throughout the 34th Senate District stopped by Senator Janet Nguyen’s District Office to participate in “Love Your Heart Day.” The free educational event provided residents with the opportunity to learn about new blood pressure guidelines, how to take their own blood pressure and what their blood pressure numbers mean. Services were provided by Health Ambassadors from California State University, Fullerton and the University of California, Irvine.
“Our body has indicators, like blood pressure, that caution us of potential health problems,” said Nguyen. “Through Love Your Heart Day we are helping residents listen to the important messages that their bodies are sending by learning how to take and interpret their blood pressure.”
Residents were able to take their own blood pressure at Senator Nguyen’s “Love Your Heart Day”
Love Your Heart Day follows the Nov. 2017 announcement from the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology, setting new high blood pressure guidelines. The guidelines were lowered for the first time in 14 years in an effort to provide earlier intervention and recommendations to prevent further increases in blood pressure. May is also American Stroke Month and National High Blood Pressure Education Month.
Senator Janet Nguyen held “Love Your Heart Day” on May 10
“This timely educational event was largely made possible thanks to the dedication of the Health Ambassadors from Cal State University, Fullerton and the University of California, Irvine who provided attendees with tools and knowledge that will encourage them to be proactive about their health,” said Nguyen. “I am thankful to count on such a dedicated group of individuals.”
According to the Orange County Healthier Together 2018 Report, one in three adults have high blood pressure, and nearly one-third of these people are not aware that they have it. High blood pressure is the number one modifiable risk factor for stroke and also contributes to heart attacks, heart failure, kidney failure and coronary heart disease.
This event is part of Nguyen’s ongoing effort to provide residents with preventative health care services. Since 2010, Nguyen has provided thousands of residents with free dental, medical and vision care. On Oct. 27, Nguyen will once again partner with the Central County Foundation to host the 9th Annual Central-West County Health Expo, which will feature free preventative health care services.
