Seminars At Local Caf Promotes age well Theme

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MathersMore Than a Caf Possibilities Coach Sharon Smith leads a group exercise class. Exercise is one of the main ways to decrease and maintain high blood pressure. (Photo Credit: Mather LifeWays)
MathersMore Than a Caf Possibilities Coach Sharon Smith leads a group exercise class. Exercise is one of the main ways to decrease and maintain high blood pressure. (Photo Credit: Mather LifeWays)

by Thelma Sardin

Hypertension also known as high blood pressure is an illness that has long crippled the Black community.The American Heart Association cites (AHA) that hypertension affects more than 40 percent of African Americans.In addition, Blacks develop high blood pressure earlier in life than their white counterparts and it is typically more severe. The AHA adds that hypertension does not bear any symptoms and has the nickname of silent killer.It is important for a medical professional to monitor blood pressure on a regular basis to detect if the illness possibly develops.

The CDC reports that high blood pressure can be maintained with the following steps: maintaining a healthy diet, healthy weight, being physically active and abstaining from smoking and alcoholic beverages. Hypertension can lead to many serious health problems including heart attack, stroke, heart failure, kidney disease and blindness.

The AHA defines blood pressure as the pressure of the blood against the walls of the arteries. Blood pressure results from two forces. One is created by the heart as it pumps blood into the arteries and through the circulatory system. The other is the force of the arteries as they resist the blood flow.

According to the CDC, blood pressure is measured by two numbers: systolic and diastolic. The systolic number symbolizes the pressure in blood vessels when the heart beats. The diastolic number symbolizes the pressure in vessels when the heart rests between beats.

For example, if a measurement reads 120 systolic and 80 diastolic, it would be correct to say "120 over 80" or write "120/80 mmHg."

On Chicagos south side, one local community caf is doing what it can to raise awareness on ways to decrease high blood pressure through education. On June 27,MathersMore Than a Caf located on 33 E. 83rd Street in Chicago will host a high blood pressure seminar where people can keep the conversation going about how they can take care of themselves and learn [about] the latest [technology] in high blood pressure treatment, Beedie Jones, Mathers caf manager said.Seadra Washington and Naomi West, R.N. of Proficient Health Care Services, Inc. will lead the seminar.

The caf hosts free high blood pressure screenings every Friday from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. in addition to an exercise classes to promote its aging well theme. A seminar called Reducing High Blood Pressure seminar is also held on Monday, June 27, 9:30 a.m. -10:30 a.m.

According to Jones, the seminar will provide information on ways to decrease high blood pressure adding participants can learn more about what thesystolic and diastolic numbers mean. When we bring information to our customers, its the latest, information she said, adding, it also describes how high blood pressure impacts on African Americans.

For more information about the seminar please call 773-488-2801.

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