Valentine's Day Treat: County Offers Free Blood Pressure Screeings

Valentine's Day is a day of love, and this year, San Diego County is suggesting you show some of that love today to your health—your heart health to be exact.

Today, county officials and community partners are celebrating the second annual “Love Your Heart” campaign to help residents take charge of their own health by offering free blood pressure screenings.

Residents can get their blood pressure checked at more than 60 County sites and fire stations across the region, including County Public Health Centers.

Ramona residents can visit the following sites from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. for their free blood pressure evaluation:

• Ramona Community Resource Center, 1521 Main St.
• Intermountain Fire and Rescue, 25858 A Hwy 78
• Cal Fire/Ramona Fire Department Station 80, 829 San Vicente Rd.
• Cal Fire/Ramona Fire Department Station 82, 3410 Dye Rd.

“For the first time in two centuries, the current generation of children in America may have shorter life expectancies than their parents because of chronic illnesses, including heart disease,” said Chairman Greg Cox, County Board of Supervisors. “In San Diego County, we are making a major push to change that trend and to fight chronic disease.”

County News Center reported that heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, killing one person every minute. In San Diego County, it is the second leading cause of death. Obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and a family history of heart disease can put an individual at greater risk.

“Heart disease remains one of our most serious health risks,” said Supervisor Ron Roberts, County Board of Supervisors. “You can strike back by getting your blood pressure checked regularly. It is one of the best ways residents can take charge of their health and the first step in maintaining or improving heart health.”

The free blood pressure screenings are offered in partnership with: Anthem, Kaiser Permanente, US HealthWorks, 2-1-1 San Diego, and fire stations from the City of San Diego, CAL FIRE, San Miguel Fire District and volunteer stations. The Love Your Heart campaign supports the County’s Live Well, San Diego! initiative, which strives to improve the health and safety of residents in the region.

At last year's “Love Your Heart” event, more than 1,300 people had their blood pressure checked on Valentine’s Day.

“February 14 is a strong reminder to get your blood pressure checked, especially if you have other health risks,” said Nick Macchione, Director of the County Health and Human Services Agency. “A healthy heart is the best Valentine you can give yourself and your loved ones.”

—County News Center contributed to this story