May is National American Stroke Month and High Blood Pressure Awareness Month
Chicago – Near North Health (NNH), one of the largest providers of community-based primary health care in Chicago, is taking a proactive approach to prevent strokes and manage high blood pressure during National American Stroke Month and High Blood Pressure Awareness Month. With a strong emphasis on annual screenings and preventive measures, NNH is at the forefront of promoting early detection and empowering individuals to prioritize their health.
NNH Recommends Annual Screenings to Prevent Stroke
Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S., affecting approximately 795,000 people annually. Recognizing the critical importance of prevention, NNH encourages individuals to stay informed and undergo annual screenings to assess their risk factors. By identifying potential warning signs and managing underlying conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, obesity, peripheral vascular disease, and heart disease, the incidence of strokes can be significantly reduced. Active tobacco use and excessive alcohol intake are also a significant risk factors in having a stroke.
“At Near North Health, we believe in the power of preventive care,” stated Dr. Dan Vicencio, Interim Chief Medical Officer at Near North Health. “Through our comprehensive primary care services, we prioritize annual screenings and early detection of chronic health conditions that increase the risk of strokes. By identifying these risk factors early on, we can implement effective strategies to minimize the likelihood of stroke occurrence.”
Preventing and Managing High Blood Pressure
NNH’s commitment to prevention extends to the management of high blood pressure, a leading risk factor for stroke. Regular screenings are essential for early detection and timely intervention. NNH provides a wide range of primary care services for patients of all age groups, focusing on education, lifestyle modifications, and personalized counseling to help individuals understand and control their blood pressure levels effectively.
“Our dedicated healthcare providers at Near North Health are keenly aware of the consequences of uncontrolled high blood pressure to the brain, kidneys, and heart,” explained Dr. Vicencio. “We offer annual check-ups, screenings, and counseling services to empower patients to take charge of their blood pressure management. By educating individuals about the importance of healthy lifestyle choices, including diet, exercise, and smoking cessation, we aim to prevent high blood pressure-related complications.”
Near North Health’s commitment to annual screenings and preventive care extends to all communities. By providing accessible healthcare services, tailored support, and patient education, NNH strives to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their background, have equitable access to comprehensive stroke and high blood pressure prevention services.
About Near North Health
Near North Health is a 501(c)(3) non-profit Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) and one of the largest providers of community-based primary health care in Chicago. We provide medical services, social services, and nutrition education to uninsured and underinsured individuals and families. Our philosophy reflects a commitment to providing access to innovative healthcare no matter where one comes from, what they look like or how long it’s been since they last saw a doctor. Additional information about our mission and services is available at www.nearnorthhealth.org.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Lisa Ripson
Ripson Group
Lisa.ripson@ripsongroup.com
(312) 493-5921 (o)
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Twitter: @LisaRipson
Chris Comes
Ripson Group
Chris.comes@ripsongroup.com
(312) 493-5921 (o)
(312) 282-0539 (m)
Twitter: @ChrisComes