High blood pressure is known as the "silent killer" because it usually has no symptoms and if left untreated can be fatal. Let the nurses of St. Paul parish help you monitor your blood pressure by attending the free blood pressure screening clinics held on the first Sunday of most months in the parish hall between 8:30 am and 12:30 pm. While the clinics are scheduled for the first Sunday of the month there will be some blackout dates due to scheduling conflicts. Watch the website,  the weekly bulletins, and church bulletin boards for information. This is a free service provided by the St. Paul Health Ministry as we provide services, information and activities for your healthy mind, body and spirit.

 The free Blood Pressure Screenings offered every first Sunday of the month from 8:30 AM until 12:30 PM, with the exception of activity blackouts.

These screenings are presented to the community to increase awareness and knowledge of prevention, detection, and management of hypertension (high blood pressure) and are provided free by your Health Ministry Team. Because it is possible to have high blood pressure without any symptoms - and because untreated high blood pressure can cause serious problems even death - it is often called the "silent killer." Come to the free blood pressure screening clinics and let the nurses of our parish help you monitor and control your blood pressure.

What is high blood pressure and why is it important to you?

High blood pressure is a common condition in which the force of the blood against your artery walls is high enough that it may eventually cause health problems, such as heart disease.

Blood pressure is determined by the amount of blood your heart pumps and the amount of resistance to blood flow in your arteries. The more blood your heart pumps and the narrower your arteries, the higher your blood pressure.

You can have high blood pressure (hypertension) for years without any symptoms. Even without symptoms, damage to blood vessels and your heart continues and can be detected. Uncontrolled high blood pressure increases your risk of serious health problems, including heart attack and stroke.

High blood pressure generally develops over many years, and it affects nearly everyone eventually. Fortunately, high blood pressure can be easily detected. And once you know you have high blood pressure, you can work with your doctor to control it.

If you are a R.N. or L.V.N. and can give one hour a month to help provide this valuable service please call Clara Heimericks at 916-689-3932.

Also, in an effort to provide more prompt service at the monthly free blood pressure screening clinics, the Health Ministry invites parishioners with medical/clinical training and experience to help perform blood pressure screening at the scheduled clinics. You need not commit to full membership in the Health Ministry, nor to a specific schedule. If you are a current or former EMT, military medic, doctor, dentist, pharmacist, or clinical medical assistant, or other health care provider who is trained and experienced in taking blood pressures, please drop by any scheduled clinic and offer your services for an hour or two. Recent clinics have resulted in long waiting lines and your assistance will be greatly appreciated.