thebahamasweekly.com - AKA Reminds the Public That High Blood Pressure is the Silent Killer

Grand Bahama
AKA Reminds the Public That High Blood Pressure is the Silent Killer
Jun 4, 2012 - 11:14:28 PM

THE SILENT KILLER: Members of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Pi Upsilon Omega Chapter, take a moment to pose for a quick pic during their High Blood Pressure Awareness campaign. 300 educational pamphlets were distributed, 171 people were screened and 5 people were given doctor‟s referrals all taking place in the lobby of Sawyer‟s Fresh Market. FRONT ROW FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Kariel Stuart, member of the Sorority‟s Emergying Young Leaders programme; Nurse Lesia Knowles; Sharry Bain Arteaga and Nurse Vernita Russell. BACK ROW FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Tracey Stuart, member of Pi Upsilon Omega Chapter; Eleanor Munroe, member of Pi Upsilon Omega Chapter; Shekegra Thompson, member of Pi Upsilon Omega Chapter; Jourdan Bowe, member of Pi Upsilon Omega Chapter; Kimberley Miller, Chapter President of Pi Upsilon Omega Chapter; kerel Pinder, member of Pi Upsilon Omega Chapter and Taccara Wright, member of Pi Upsilon Omega Chapter.

Freeport, Grand Bahama - Carolyn House Stewart, International President of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated expressed that, “High Blood Pressure is often referred to as the "silent killer”, because it doesn't usually cause any symptoms. It damages the heart and blood vessels without ever causing pain. For this reason, the ladies of the Pi Upsilon Omega Chapter of Freeport Grand Bahama Island partnered with Sawyer's Fresh Market, Registered Nurse Vernita Russell and Registered Nurse Lesia Knowles to host a three hour High Blood Pressure Awareness Campaign.

The choice of food intake plays a key role in maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. Therefore, the lobby of Sawyer's Fresh Market, proved as the ideal location for the distribution of High Blood Pressure Awareness pamphlets; which listed foods to avoid in order to secure one's pressure at a normal reading.

Registered Nurse Knowles explained that, “when evaluating blood pressure, it is important for individuals to know their family history. If they are on medication for high blood pressure it is essential that they take their medication consistently.” She further stated, “monitoring food intake also plays a very crucial part in the status of [one‟s] blood pressure. Fatty foods increase your cholesterol and high cholesterol will cause a buildup of plaque that eventually causes your blood vessels to become narrow.” She concludes that, “the pressure for the blood flow then begins to increase and eventually causes High Blood Pressure.”

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE AWARENESS CAMPAIGN: (Standing front, left)Jourdan Bowe, member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Pi Upsilon Omega Chapter, awaits the arrival of Sawyer‟s Fresh Market customers, offering each a pamphlet which highlights the causes and negative impact of High Blood Presssure. (Back Row, Standing) Registered Nurse Lesia Knowles (left) and Registered Nurse Vernita Russell (right) take Blood Pressure screenings for two health conscious residents. (Back Row, Centre, Sitting) Sharry Bain Arteaga, member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Pi Upsilon Omega Chapter, prepares Blood Pressure Charts for those being screened.

The lobby of Sawyer's also served as the venue for the nurses to conduct Free Blood Pressure checks. Resulting in, “a total of 141 people, ranging from age 10 to 7, who took advantage of the chance to get a free screening, clearly a strong indication that their health is important to each of them,” revealed Chapter President, Kimberley Miller. The day's results yielded a count of five people who were given referrals to consult their doctor and a total of 300 people who received pamphlets which increased their knowledge of all things associated with High Blood Pressure. Sawyer's Fresh Market kindly donated fruit baskets to the Nurses for their community service.

The health initiatives of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated encourage personal fitness and healthy life styles. We support organizations which advance access to treatment and coordinate awareness and advocacy campaigns to reduce health disparities, save lives and impact health related legislation. The public is reminded that we all play a role in making our island, and by extension our nation, a better place for all humankind.

Sawyer's Fresh Market, your grocery bill just got lower!