May is High Blood Pressure Month

May is High Blood Pressure Month and District 2 Public Health wants everyone to have their blood pressure checked at least once a year and talk to their healthcare provider about ways to control it.  High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke, two leading causes of death for Americans.  Behaviors that can lead to high blood pressure include an unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, obesity, drinking too much alcohol, smoking, tobacco use, and stress. Family history, race, age, and gender are risk factors that are also associated with high blood pressure.  Schedule a blood pressure check by visiting a District 2 Health Department.  Find a location near you at www.phdistrict2.org.