TORRINGTON – “Information is power, the more information a patient and their doctor have, the better the treatment plan,” Kara Beech, project coordinator for Wyoming Center on Aging (WyCOA), says. “Better treatment plans lead to better overall health. It is exciting to see individuals across the state checking out these kits to work on improving their health and that of our communities.”
The public libraries of Wyoming have been dedicated in the support and betterment of public health in communities.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, almost half of grown adults in the U.S. have high blood pressure, which is also known as hypertension, and/or are taking medication as such. It is believed that one-fourth of adults with hypertension have their condition under control.
The Wyoming Department of Health claims nearly one in three Wyomingites have been told they have high blood pressure.
Self-measured blood pressure monitoring (SMBP) kits are now available in all 23 counties including 67 libraries statewide, bringing a total of 650 available kits during the first year of the program. It should be noted this is a collaborative pilot between WyCOA at the University of Wyoming, the Wyoming Department of Public Health, and Wyoming public libraries.
In order to further expansion and future programming focused on cardiovascular health, state libraries are strongly encouraging patrons to check out a kit and complete the included survey. Individuals that check out a kit and complete the survey between April 1 and June 8 could be eligible to win a $100 Amazon Gift Card. Random winners will be drawn weekly from all surveys completed. Winners will also win an additional $100 Amazon Gift Card for the library that checked out the winning kit.
Although the kits are not considered a substitute for regular visits to initial healthcare providers, they are a great way for residents to view and keep track of their numbers, providing more valuable information to be relayed to a doctor.
The kits are provided in both English and Spanish, and include an automated home blood pressure cuff, blood pressure logbooks, educational material from the American Hearth Association, elaborate information on blood pressure, and also easy suggestions for potential lifestyle changes.
If you would like more information on programs offered by WyCOA, feel free to visit www.uwyo.edu/healthierwyo/ or go to www.goshencountylibrary.org.
