Shawnee Hosts Blood Pressure Seminar

4/28/08

Shawnee Community College recently hosted a seminar for nursing and other healthcare professionals called "Measuring Blood Pressure in the 21st Century," presented by Healthy Pathways.

This event is being hosted all over the state, focusing on areas that have an increased risk for high blood pressure. Alexander County has the highest percentage of high blood pressure screenings in Illinois.

Peggy Jones, Director for State Health Alliances for the American Heart Association coordinated the event. She said the purpose of the training seminars is to address the high incidents of hypertension in the southern seven counties through education.

"Participants will take more accurate measurements of blood pressure and will have a greater awareness of blood pressure guidelines," Jones said.

This training opportunity was for CNA, LPN, RN and other health care professionals who regularly give blood pressure screenings.

The event was sponsored by the American Heart Association, Midwest Affiliate, Office of Women's Health, IDPH, and the Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Program, IDPH.