Ga DPH Coastal Health District: Love Your Heart with Free Blood Pressure and Blood Glucose Screenings in February

This February, the Coastal Health District wants to help you love your heart, and that starts with knowing your blood pressure and blood glucose numbers. The Coastal Health District will be offering free blood pressure and blood glucose screenings at the following locations, with no appointment needed.

• Bryan Co. Health Dept. in Pembroke: Feb. 7, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Bryan Co. Health Dept. in Richmond Hill: Feb. 7, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
• Camden Co. Health Dept. in St. Marys: Feb. 13, 1 – 4 pm.
• Chatham Co. Health Dept. Eisenhower Clinic in Savannah: Feb. 15, 2 – 5 p.m.
• Effingham Co. Health Dept. in Springfield: Feb. 16, 1 – 4 p.m.
• McIntosh Co. Health Dept. in Townsend: Feb. 20, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Liberty Co. Health Dept. in Hinesville: Feb. 21, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Long Co. Health Dept. in Ludowici: Feb. 21, 1 – 4 p.m.
• Glynn Co. Health Dept. in Brunswick: Feb. 22, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

“Most people can’t tell if their blood pressure or glucose levels are high,” says Mecca Mason, a community health worker for the Coastal Health District who is leading the heart healthy campaign. “The only way to know is to get screened. Thankfully, the screenings are quick and easy, and once you know your numbers, we can help you come up with a plan for protecting your heart.”

These numbers matter. High blood pressure can lead to serious health problems, including heart attack and stroke. A high blood glucose level can lead to heart disease.

These problems may be more common than you think. According to the Centers for Disease Control, heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. One person dies every 34 seconds in the U.S. from cardiovascular disease.

But this is not an unwinnable fight. “There are small adjustments you can make in your daily life that will have a big impact on your heart health,” says Mason. “That’s where we come in. We have information, resources, and programs to help people in our community live longer, healthier lives.”

You can learn about these heart healthy programs at the screening events in February or on Georgia DPH’s Chronic Disease Prevention page.

Ga DPH Coastal Health District