BALTIMORE — May is Hypertension Awareness Month, and in conjunction with that, LifeBridge Health and the American Heart Association have teamed up to make it easy to know your numbers with convenient testing stations.
Knowing your numbers is important, and the Higi machine at LifeBridge Health and Fitness in Pikesville does just that by monitoring your pulse, weight, BMI, and blood pressure.
“I'm a big fan of the Higi machine. It's so helpful. It keeps me up to date with everything that's going on,” said Vanessa Goodwin, Membership Coordinator at LifeBridge.
The 48-year-old credits HiggiStation with helping her feel better and lowering her risk of heart disease.
“When I feel unwell or sluggish, I think, 'There's something wrong with me. I'll take my blood pressure.' That's usually my answer,” Goodwin explained. “We have a history of this disease. I have family members who have died from this disease. That's why I always test twice: in the morning, in the afternoon, and in the evening.”
LifeBridge Health and Fitness in Pikesville had the highest usage rate of any AHA sponsored Higgi station in the nation in 2023. Stations are primarily located in gyms, community centers, airports, and pharmacies.
“This is an opportunity for people to come here and have a convenient part of their daily routine and learn more about what's going on in their bodies,” said Tracy Brazelton, executive director of the American Heart Association in Baltimore. he says. He said.
How can I prevent high blood pressure?
According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, half of Americans have high blood pressure, but many people don't realize they have it.
High blood pressure is known as the “silent killer” because it can develop without any symptoms.
Prevention includes healthy lifestyle changes.
“Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and low in fat, salt, and sugar definitely contributes to overall health and overall cardiovascular health,” Brazelton emphasized. “Try to maintain a lifestyle that includes regular exercise.”
Plans are underway to install a Higi machine at BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport in the coming months.