My question is: Where can I have my blood pressure checked on Prince Edward Island? If you are thinking I could use any of the machines at the pharmacies, then that seems like a simple answer. Let me share with you what my pharmacist said about those machines. He told me that he was not having one installed in his store because in his opinion the readings on those machines were not very accurate. He said that if you really thought that your pressure should be checked then have it checked by going to a hospital emergency department.
Of course the nurse at my doctors office always checks my BP on every visit. How often is that? Every six months or once a year? Longer?
As a stroke survivor with a chronic fatigue condition as well as paralysis, and balance issues I have a routine of having a visit to my doctor every three months. As I am on blood pressure meds I like to have my BP taken on a regular basis. It is also a comfort for me to go eyeball to eyeball with the doc so that if I have any concerns or something is beginning to trend in the wrong direction then he can pick up on it sooner.
If I feel that I need to be checked sooner than the three month cycle than I can call to make a n appointment or check in at the local emergency desk.
The Dept of Health on P.E.I. is also making available a new program to help people enjoy living a healthy life with chronic conditions. This six week program is well worth the time spent as it teaches skills to manage our chronic conditions on a day to day basis.
The benefits of such skills bring us peace of mind and the knowledge that we are taking good care of ourselves in our day to day lives.
I would really like to hear from you as to how you manage your condition. Where and how often you get your BP checked along with any other checkups that you require.
Has your doctor or other health care professional recommended that you attend the Healthy Living program?
Click here to learn more about the program.
Do you think that there should be blood pressure clinics in public places like malls, stores and public events on Prince Edward Island? How important is knowing your blood pressure to you?
Thanks for reading my post and I hope that you will share your thoughts by leaving a comment below.
We have a blood pressure cuff at home. Neither of us have high blood pressure, but having one at home saved my friend's life one night. SHE didn't have high blood pressure either and was (still is) in excellent shape. The cuff was for her hypertensive husband!
ReplyDeleteAnyway, she had some jaw pain one night that wouldn't go away. Her husband took her blood pressure and it was through the roof.
Off to the hospital where they confirmed she was having a heart attack!
A good item to keep on hand!
Congratulations on taking quick action and having the presence of mind to do a BP check. Heart attack and stroke are becoming more common every day given todays lifestyle. Thanks for sharing your story. Every story shared helps to increase awareness in the community.
ReplyDelete