Firefighters Sound the Alarm on High Blood Pressure

(NewsUSA) - High blood pressure is a national health crisis that impacts approximately 74 million adults in the United States, and about one-third are unaware of it. Uncontrolled high blood pressure is the leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease and is associated with a higher risk of heart attack, heart failure and stroke.

Sounding the alarm on the high blood pressure epidemic, fire fighters all across the country from the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), in collaboration with Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, have launched a program called the Stop, Drop, Control High Blood Pressure Program in May, which is also High Blood Pressure Awareness Month.

This is a first-of-its kind community health campaign to educate both the 300,000 IAFF members who protect 85 percent of the nation's population, as well as the communities they serve about fighting high blood pressure. More than 240 IAFF locals are now equipped to host community blood pressure screening events in their communities.

Fire fighters, who face extreme physical and psychological stresses in their work protecting their communities, have a high rate of on-duty deaths caused by heart disease (45 percent), -- and high blood pressure may be one of the contributing factors.

"Professional fire fighters are among the most trusted and respected leaders of their communities, and know first-hand the dangers of high blood pressure," said Harold Schaitberger, IAFF president. "As such, they are ideal advocates to educate communities about important health and safety topics, including high blood pressure."

For information about this health initiative, visit www.stopdropcontrol.com.

"Article By: NewsUSA"