A blood pressure test is one of the simplest tests we perform at corporate health fairs. Participants learn their results in only a minute or two. Getting those results to your employees is increasingly important, according to a recent article from the Associated Press. The Institute of Medicine reports that although high blood pressure is the second-leading cause of death in the U.S., it is often overlooked.
The Centers for Disease control and Prevention estimate that hypertension will cost the United States $76.6 billion in health care services, medications, and missed days of work. Controlling this epidemic should be a serious concern for every employer. Offering a biometric screening--along with good health education--is an excellent way to give your employees the information they need.
The AP article lists several points from Institute of Medicine's report on blood pressure, but one of the most surprising is the link between weight and hypertension. If everyone who is overweight lost just 10 pounds, there would be 8 percent fewer cases of high blood pressure.
The Mayo Clinic offers free healthy recipes that can help lower blood pressure--the so-called DASH Diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension). Check them out here.
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