The Wellness Resource Center at Sinclair Community College is offering free blood pressure screenings and health information given by Sinclair nursing students.
“High blood pressure is a silent killer. It could be creeping up on you, affecting daily acts of life and you don’t even know it,” said Service Learning Coordinator and Registered Nurse Marilyn Rodney. “These screenings are available to students, staff and visitors.”
Symptoms of high blood pressure include severe headache, fatigue, confusion, vision problems, chest pain, difficulty breathing and irregular heartbeat. Untreated high blood pressure can lead to a heart attack, heart disease, stroke, kidney failure and eye problems, according to webmd.com.
“High blood pressure is not just for older adults, we have seen people in their 20s with high blood pressure,” Rodney said. “Students don’t have a lot of time for check-ups because their busy with their studies, but taking care of yourself can make you a better student.”
“I think it’s a great thing Sinclair has these services,” said nursing major Doug Hoskins. “Even though I’m a nursing student, I’m so busy that I don’t always get the chance to get my blood pressure checked. This is a good opportunity to do that.”
Besides blood pressure screenings, the nursing students also provide information on how to improve your health and have handouts on health care coverage.
“The overarching theme of the wellness resource center is health promotion and disease prevention,” Rodney said. “The more we know, the more we can put into action.”
SERVICE BOX -Blood pressure screenings will be done by Nursing 230 students in the Library’s mezzanine level on Wednesdays and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and Thursdays 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.