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NEWSLETTER: MAY'22 Measurement Month (MMM)

WHH • Kgomotso Mabusetsa • Jun 18, 2022

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MAY '22 MEASUREMENT IN ACTION IN DOBSONVILLE

By Kgomotso Mabusetsa

WHH

May Measurement Month (MMM)

May Measurement Month is a blood pressure screening awareness campaign which is recognized globally. It was launched in 2017 by International Society of Hypertension (ISH). The goal is to put emphasis on the importance of taking your blood pressure (BP) and to promote awareness of the risks associated with excessive blood pressure and hypertension.

As part of May Measurement Month, we partnered with Phila Sonke to explore solutions for health promotion and prevention of disease. We conducted blood pressure screenings and made referrals in the community of Dobsonville, Soweto for 2 weeks.

The aims of the May Measurement Month 2022 campaign are as follows:

To highlight the importance of measuring Blood Pressure.
To identify and facilitate the reduction of Blood Pressure of those people who require intervention to lower their Blood Pressure according to current guidelines.

In this 2-week period, our Health Advocates conducted 1009 blood pressure measurements and referred 274 participants to either a gym or their local health facilities.

What you need to know about Blood Pressure

What is blood pressure?

Blood Pressure is a measure of the force that your heart uses to pump blood around your body.

Blood Pressure, if left untreated, can increase the risk of developing stroke, kidney or cardiovascular complications.

Blood Pressure numbers explained:

Blood Pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg). A Blood Pressure reading has 2 numbers, Systolic and Diastolic.

Systolic is the first number and it indicates the pressure in your large blood vessels when your heart beats.

Diastolic is the second number and it indicates the pressure in your large blood vessels when your heart rests between beats.

A Blood Pressure reading is considered high when it is 140/90mmHg and low if it is 90/60mmHg.

Some of the tips for a healthy blood pressure:

exercise regularly
reduce salt intake
eat a healthy diet, like vegetables and fruits
limit the amount of alcohol you consume
reduced stress

Blood Pressure numbers explained:

Blood Pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg). A Blood Pressure reading has 2 numbers, Systolic and Diastolic.

Systolic is the first number and it indicates the pressure in your large blood vessels when your heart beats.

Diastolic is the second number and it indicates the pressure in your large blood vessels when your heart rests between beats.

A Blood Pressure reading is considered high when it is 140/90mmHg and low if it is 90/60mmHg.

Some of the tips for a healthy blood pressure:

exercise regularly
reduce salt intake
eat a healthy diet, like vegetables and fruits
limit the amount of alcohol you consume
reduced stress

Measuring blood pressure levels regularly is vital for the effective management of hypertension for a healthier, longer life.

The Wits Health Hubb Team would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the community of Dobsonville, Soweto and the ward councillor Salamina Mpotulo for their support and warm welcome into their homes.

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