Unchecked high blood pressure can cause serious health problems

Class at Otowi Building today focuses on hypertension

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is known as the silent killer because individuals may live for years without knowing they have the disease.

At 11:30 this morning, Lab workers can learn more about hypertension and behaviors that contribute to the disease — and ways to control it — at a class in the Otowi Building cafeteria side rooms at Technical Area 3.

Dr. Peter Barnett will lead the class, "In Charge: Ways to a Healthier Heart," which will be preceded and followed by free blood-pressure screenings also in the cafeteria side rooms. The Lab's health promotion program and Blue Cross Blue Shield New Mexico are sponsoring the class.

Barnett is assistant professor of medicine at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine. He is a member of the American College of Physicians.

Dr. Barnett will talk about hyptertension and offer strategies for combatting the disease. He also will answer questions about high blood pressure. Those who attend the class will receive a copy of "Health Manager," a free educational binder and log book.

There also will be a drawing for a free blood-pressure monitor to be given away after the presentation to an individual who attends and signs up for the drawing.

For more information, see the April 24 Daily Newsbulletin or contact Jessica Kisiel of Occupational Medicine (HSR-2), the Lab's Positive Health Directions coordinator at 5-4368, write to jkisiel@lanl.gov by electronic mail or go to http://int.lanl.gov/worklife/health/index.shtml#in_charge online.

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