Hypertension
The Sunset Country Family Health Team’s Hypertension Program designed for people with high blood pressure to learn the skills needed for the daily management of their condition. At each visit, a Registered Nurse will help you set and meet specific goals.
High blood pressure is one of the most preventable disease in Canada and a leading risk factor of death. Hypertension affects 1 in 5 adult Ontarians (HSFO’s 2006 Ontario Survey). Blood pressure increases with age. Hypertension can cause heart attacks, strokes, heart/kidney failure, all of which can be prevented with a healthy lifestyle.
Your doctor or nurse practitioner may make a referral if you:
- Have a blood pressure of 140/90 or greater (with or without symptoms) or 130/80 or greater if you have diabetes;
- Have been diagnosed with high blood pressure;
- Have been living with chronic high blood pressure.
In this program you will learn:
- What high blood pressure is and how it can affect your health;
- Self management of hypertension;
- How to develop a plan to make healthier lifestyle choices;
- How to communicate with your health care team;
- How to set and achieve goals (e.g., smoking cessation, healthy eating, encourage a more active lifestyle);
- How your medication(s) work and how to take them effectively;
- How to self-measure blood pressure.
- A referral may be made to other healthcare providers (Dietitian, Pharmacist, etc.).
Patients may self-refer, or be referred into the program; you must have a family doctor. Call us for more information at (807) 468-6321.
Our Hypertension Team
- Alanna Scribilo, RN
- Jillian Faulds, RN