Students at the New Haven Job Corps Center joined millions of youth around the world and made a difference on Global Youth Service Day.  Certified Nursing Assistant (C.N.A.), and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), students participated in a week long blood pressure screening event held at the West Rock Community Center in New Haven, Connecticut. 

Students recorded the blood pressure of community residents educating them on the dangers of high blood pressure and distributed handouts detailing blood pressure levels, and appropriate diets at each level.  To the student’s surprise, half of the residents examined had hypertension.  Students recorded the blood pressure levels on slips of paper which residents could give to their family doctor.

EMT student, Tenajah Turner explained, “One of the most dangerous aspects of hypertension is that you may not know that you have it. There are generally no symptoms of high blood pressure, so you usually do not feel it.”   In fact, nearly one-third of people who have hypertension are not aware of its presence. The only way to find out if you have high blood pressure is to get your blood pressure checked on a regular basis. This is especially important if you have a close relative who has high blood pressure.

The students explained to area residents several ways of  lowering blood pressure without medication which, include the following steps;  exercising regularly, reducing sodium intake, eating a healthy diet, losing extra pounds, limiting the amount of alcohol, avoiding tobacco products and second hand smoke, cutting back on caffeine, reducing stress, monitoring blood pressure at home, and making regular doctor appointments, including getting support from family and friends.