St. Joseph Shrine Parish, Brooklyn at 8743 US-12, Brooklyn, MI 49230 US - High Blood Pressure & Stroke

Also known as the "Silent Killer".  Many people don't realize that they have high blood pressure.  Recent estimates show that 1 in 3 Americans have it.

The only way to  know if you have high blood pressure is to have it checked.  Our Parish Health Ministry does blood pressure checks once a month after the Masses.  We can provide you with readings so that you can seek medical attention if your numbers are too high.  Idealy your blood pressure should be in the 120/80 range.

.......Stroke.....

Uncontrolled high blood pressure could lead to a stroke.  Signs to watch for when you witness someone having a  stroke: 
            (1)  Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the 
                  body.

            (2)  Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.

            (3)  Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.

            (4)  Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.

            (5)  Sudden, severe headache with no known cause.

Also the inability to smile, or say a simple phrase like Happy Birthday.

If you witness or suspect someone is having a stroke, call 911 immediately.  There is a 4 hour  window of opportunity that a drug can be given to stop or reverse the symptoms, if the person meets the criteria needed.

This and more information can be found by logging on to

www.americanheart.org