National High Blood Pressure Education Month
Many people don’t realize that high blood pressure, or hypertension, is a rather quiet health concern that acts as a marker for many other potentially serious health issues. From heart disease and stroke to chronic heart failure and kidney disease, blood pressure can impact a range of medical problems that...
Position May as the month for preventive health action by offering free blood pressure screenings, educational resources, and home monitoring solutions to drive awareness and customer engagement.
- Free BP screening events at local pharmacies—drive foot traffic with 'Know Your Numbers' campaigns
- Educational content series: 'Your Health Is In Your Hands'—partner with healthcare providers to share risk factors and prevention tips
- Promote home blood pressure monitors and wearables as accessible tools for ongoing health management
- Partner with AHA/AMA to co-brand educational resources and position your brand as a trusted health advocate
The first celebration National High Blood Pressure Education Month took place in 1974 when it was founded through the efforts of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI).
This event was part of a larger initiative that started in 1972, called the National High Blood Pressure Education Program (NHBPEP).
After several decades, this event has grown in scope and size, garnering support and awareness through more than 300 different partner organizations such as the American Heart Association, the American Medical Association, and the National Institutes of Health, along with other organizations and educational institutions.
National High Blood Pressure Month is a US event that coincides with the World Health Organization (WHO) observance of World Hypertension Day on May 17.
Check That Blood Pressure!
Many local pharmacies throughout the US offer free health screenings that include blood pressure, or they may have a machine available for anyone to use. People can also contact their general practitioner to get a blood pressure check if they feel it is needed, or use an at home blood pressure monitor. Take a look at these CDC recommendations for more information .
Measure Blood Pressure with 4 Easy Steps
The National Hypertension Control Initiative is an arm of the American Heart Association who offers resources for people to commit to a plan to “Get Down With Your Blood Pressure”. Participants are provided with 4 easy to remember steps to get a blood pressure reading on machines at home or in the local pharmacy: Get It Slip It Cuff It Check It Once the results come, be sure to stay in communication with a doctor regarding blood pressure numbers or any other health concerns.
Get Resources About High Blood Pressure
Since about half of Americans have high blood pressure, and many more are taking care of people who have it, it’s important to be educated in honor of this event. Of course, the care of a doctor is the number one defense, but there are many other resources such as a list of questions to ask a doctor or how to understand blood pressure readings. Prevent High Blood PressureOne theme that some organizations use for National High Blood Pressure Education Month is “Your Health Is In Your Hands”. This idea of empowering and giving agency to each person is key to living a life that has controlled blood pressure and lowered risk of serious illness.In addition to controlling high blood pressure through prescription medication from a doctor, many lifestyle factors are also involved in lowering the blood pressure including reducing stress, stopping smoking and limiting alcohol consumption. Check out a few of these health hacks for reducing blood pressure:Exercise RegularlyDoctors recommend up to 150 minutes per week of moderately intense exercise in 10 minute boutsReduce SodiumSalt, salt-preserved meats and other meals high in sodium like processed convenience foods, can raise the blood pressureAvoid CaffeineThis substance, found in coffee, soft drinks, chocolate and more, can raise the blood pressure almost instantlyGet Enough SleepWhen a person is sleeping, their blood pressure is naturally lowered and stress is reduced Other events related to National High Blood Pressure Education Month that are celebrated throughout the year include National Stroke Awareness Month also in May, World Stroke Day in late October, and Heart Failure Awareness Week in February.