High Blood Pressure is Preventable and Treatable

Nearly half of the adults in the United States (48.1%, or 119.9 million) have hypertension. About half of adults (45%) with uncontrolled hypertension have a blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg or higher. High blood pressure costs the United States about $131 billion each year. Hypertension increases a person’s risk for heart disease, stroke, heart failure, kidney disease, cognitive decline, and pregnancy complications. See the Figure below. Every year, about 700 women die in the United States due to pregnancy or its complications. Black women are three times as likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than white women. High blood pressure during pregnancy increases the risk of preeclampsia, eclampsia, stroke, preterm delivery, low birth weight, and placental abruption. High blood pressure is preventable and treatable. Monitor your blood pressure. IPH has a Hypertension Control program with a home self-monitoring blood pressure device. If you are interested in controlling your blood pressure, enroll in the Hypertension Control program today by calling (313) 309-9350 ext. 2. IPH is located at 9053 Woodward Ave, Detroit, Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM.

Colorectal Cancer Screening Saves Lives

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cancer killer in the U.S. among cancers that affect both men and women. In 2023, 153,020 new cases of colon and rectum cancer were reported, and 52,550 colon and rectal deaths were reported in the United States. In 2020, 3,803 colon and rectum cancer cases were reported and 1,791 colon and rectum cancer deaths were reported in Michigan. Routine screening for colorectal cancer beginning at age 45 can save lives! See the Figure below. The screening tests include stool tests Guaiac-based Fecal Occult Blood Test (gFOBT), Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT), Flexible Sigmoidoscopy (Flex Sig), and Colonoscopy. Regular colon cancer screening tests like colonoscopy help prevent colon cancer by identifying and removing polyps before polyps turn into cancer. Screening tests can also find colorectal cancer early when treatment works best. Colorectal cancer screening saves lives. Are you getting regular colorectal cancer screening tests? Get screened. Come to IPH for a Cologuard and a referral for a Colonoscopy. IPH is located at 9053 Woodward Ave, Detroit, Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Call 313-309-9350 ext. 2.

February is American Heart Month: Go Red

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men, women, and people of most racial and ethnic groups in the United States. About 695,000 people in the United Statesdied from heart disease in 2021, and about 805,000 people have a heart attack every year. Heart disease costs the United States about $239.9 billion each year from 2018 to 2019. Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of women. Nearly 45% of women ages 20+ are living with some form of cardiovascular disease. The American Heart Association is asking people to wear red on February 2 and join millions of people in raising awareness about efforts to eradicate heart disease and stroke through its “Go Red for Women” campaign. High blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, and smoking are key risk factors for heart disease. Diabetes, overweight and obesity, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, and excessive alcohol use also increase the risk for heart disease. Get regular physical activity to help you maintain a healthy weight and lower your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. Eat healthy food, do not smoke, and take your heart medication as prescribed. Do not neglect your heart health. Listen to your heart and protect your health. See the Figure below. Among Black women ages 20 years and older, nearly 58% have high blood pressure, and only around 20% of those women have their blood pressure under control. IPH has a Hypertension Control program with a home self-monitoring blood pressure device. If you are interested in controlling your blood pressure, enroll in the Hypertension Control program today by calling 313 309-9350 ext. 2.