Don’t forget to check your blood pressure

Ramsey County offered hypertension screenings for Black women

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Black women are statistically at higher risk for a number of serious and dangerous health conditions.

The CDC statistics note that African American women have the highest rate of death due to heart disease and are nearly 60 percent more likely to have high blood pressure than White women. High blood pressure is the leading risk factor for heart disease. 

In addition, African American women have the highest rate of death from stroke compared to other ethnic groups.

That’s why Ramsey County Public Health Department staged a blood pressure screening specifically targeting Black women. The afternoon screening took place at Flava Cafe, a St. Paul coffee shop owned by Shaunie Grigsby, a Black woman herself, on Saturday, Sept. 9. 

“Sometimes we forget to check on ourselves first,” warned Darcea Handy, a registered nurse who conducted the screenings. “As Black women, we aren’t taught to do that.”

By taking two blood pressure readings, Handy was able to identify women whose blood pressure was too high. She was also able to provide them with medical information about heart health and encouragement to see their healthcare provider for diagnosis and possible medication to manage their blood pressure. 

Handy said that reducing sodium intake, watching food intake, and adding light exercise, even light movement, can all contribute to lowering blood pressure or keeping it out of the dangerous range.

She said that managing stress is also critical. “Stress can be a silent killer, and we’re not paying attention to that. 

“It’s very important to have balance in our life as well,” Handy said. “You’ve got to take time out for yourself. You’ve got to make time in your day to sit with your thoughts; there’s nothing wrong with that.” 

The strongest reminder was for Black women to remember what is at stake in managing their health.

“You want to be there for your children, for your family,” she said. “Take a walk, get a breath of fresh air. We can break that cycle.”