May is Stroke Awareness Month. Did you know each year about as many Americans have a stroke as a heart attack? Fortunately, about 80% of strokes are preventable.

A stroke happens when a blood vessel to the brain is blocked or bursts, disrupting blood and oxygen flow and causing brain cell death. Every stroke is unique but commonly result in physical symptoms like paralysis, muscle issues and seizures, as well as communication difficulties and emotional changes post-stroke.

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is the primary controllable risk factor for strokes, yet over a third of American adults with it are unaware. There’s only one way to know whether you have high blood pressure – have a health professional measure it.

Measuring your blood pressure is quick and painless. Blood pressure should be checked at least once a year by a health professional, and diagnosing high pressure requires two or three readings on at least two occasions. Home monitoring with the use of automated devices is also a good way to keep a check on your blood pressure.

Do you need help monitoring your blood pressure? The Healthy Heart Ambassador program available at the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment is designed to help adults diagnosed with hypertension manage and lower their blood pressure. During the four-month program you will work one-on-one with a trained coach to learn how to record and monitor your blood pressure and how to eat a heart healthy diet.

To enroll you must be aged 18 or above and diagnosed with high blood pressure. However, those with recent cardiac events, atrial fibrillation, arrhythmias or lymphedema or at risk for it are ineligible.

To learn more about or enroll in the program, contact Estella Fondzeka at 913-477-8348 or estella.fondzeka@jocogov.org.