Free Blood Pressure Testing At PIMC

Free blood pressure checking is now available in the lobby at Peace Island Medical Center. A new automatic blood pressure testing station has been donated by Peace Island Volunteers in support of its mission to facilitate local access to healthcare services. All of the funds required to purchase this self-serve kiosk were raised at a silent auction during last May’s “Art in the Afternoon” event, sponsored by Peace Island Volunteers and held at PIMC.

Tom Cable using the Blood Pressure Kiosk

The new blood pressure station has been installed behind the stairs, near the coffee kiosk. The public is invited to come try it out during PIMC’s regular clinic hours, which are Monday through Friday from 8am to 6pm and Saturday from 9am to 1pm. Those who do should remember that:

• Like one’s heart rate, blood pressure can change. Exertion, like walking up stairs or dealing with the stress in the workplace, may make blood pressure and heart rate go higher than what you are used to seeing. Such variability is normal.
• Any blood pressure measurement is just one data point, at a single moment in time. Blood pressure experts emphasize averaging several measurements over time, rather than focusing on a single reading.
• Blood pressure measurement is like any other diagnostic test: it’s not always 100% accurate. Blood pressure measuring devices, even this kiosk which is designed to meet industry standards, will produce readings that can vary.

The installation of this health monitoring station is part of Peace Island Volunteers’ mission to support and promote healthcare services in San Juan County, especially at Peace Island Medical Center. This support comes in many forms, including volunteer work at PIMC; holiday decorating; outdoor trail development on the property; providing magazines and children’s books, articles of clothing for accident or trauma patients, mammography capes, and knitted items for cancer patients; and more. Membership is open to all.

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