Dallas County Hosts Free Community Health Event

Dallas County Health and Human Services is marking American Heart Month with a free health screening event on Monday. Here's what you need to know to participate.

The Free Community Health Event, organized by the Chronic Disease Prevention Division, will take place on Monday, Feb. 16 at the Dallas County John West Immunization Clinic (3312 N. Buckner Blvd., Suite 200) from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

The event is completely free and no registration is required.

The following screenings will be available:

• A1C
• BMI
• Blood pressure
• Cholesterol
• Diabetes prevention
• Hypertension management

The same evening, community members can visit the Understanding High Blood Pressure and Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring class at the Friendship-West Baptist Church (2020 W. Wheatland Rd.) from 7 p.m.-8 p.m.

In order to self-manage hypertension issues, the county recommends:

• Eating food that is low in salt
• Taking medication as prescribed
• Regularly checking blood sugar
• Physical activity
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Limiting alcohol intake
• Refraining from smoking

Failing to manage high blood pressure can lead to serious health consequences, including stroke, dementia, heart failure, heart attack, vision loss, and kidney disease and failure.

That's because high blood pressure can cause blood vessels in the brain to burst or clog more easily, the heart to enlarge, and arteries narrow and stiffen.

Warning signs of a heart attack include chest discomfort, upper body discomfort, shortness of breath, nausea, cold sweat, and lightheadedness. The American Heart Association recommends keeping your blood pressure around 120/80mm Hg to reduce your risk.

The association also promotes sleeping 7-9 hours per day, regular medical check-ups, and keeping your fasting blood sugar less than 100 mg/dL or an A1C of less than 5.7%.