LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- People in Floyd County, Indiana can check out more than just books.
The American Heart Association's Libraries with Heart program allows people to borrow kits to monitor their blood pressure at home. Each kit includes a blood pressure monitor, instructions on how to use it, explanations on what the numbers mean and a contact list of providers for those who need a follow-up.
Officials said they hope to empower community members to better understand their health.
"Something that might not be an everyday idea at a library is we have cookbooks for checking out," said Payton Barger, Social Services Leader at Floyd County Library. "So someone could reserve or put on hold or checkout for heart health and it would help you manage your blood pressure at home or see how your diet increases or decreases your blood pressure based on what you're eating."
Nearly half of American adults have high blood pressure, which can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney diseases and vision loss. High blood pressure is known as a "silent killer" because as many as 36% of patients with uncontrolled high blood pressure are not aware of their condition, according to the American Heart Association.
The Floyd County program is funded by Duke Energy.
To learn more about high blood pressure, click here.
Related Stories:
- Free lunch program serves dozens of kids every day at Floyd County Public Library
- Floyd County Library opens new branch at IUS in New Albany as part of new partnership
- New Albany-Floyd County Public Library eliminates fines for overdue books
Copyright 2024 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.
