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Sixty-year-old Kimberly Winkler thrust a victory fist in the air and exclaimed, “awesome,” in response to her blood pressure reading of 126/60. The Edwardsville Police Department administrative assistant was one of approximately 400 people who took part in Blood Pressure Blitz 2017. The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Pharmacy (SOP) and the City of Edwardsville hosted the citywide wellness event from Thursday-Friday, Oct. 26-27. 

The good numbers, however, should have come as no surprise to the water-aerobicizing, aqua-volleyball enthusiast and speed walker. “I keep myself healthy,” said Winkler, “because good health is important.” 

Knowing your blood pressure numbers are essential to achieving and maintaining good health, according to SOP Professor and Director of Clinical Programs Chris Lynch, PharmD. 

“This is the third year that we’ve held the Blood Pressure Blitz,” said Lynch. “Hypertension is a widespread disease that in many cases can be prevented or managed.” 

Sixteen teams of third and fourth-year pharmacy students, paired with a faculty pharmacist, visited more than 30 local businesses and performed blood pressure screenings for employees at no cost. 

“It’s always good to have your blood pressure taken,” said Edwardsville Fire Department Capt. Mark Mayfield. “We take care of the community all of the time. It’s good to have someone looking out for us.” 

“We want the public to be aware of the importance of a healthy blood pressure,” said Olivia Brandner, third-year pharmacy student who helped coordinate the Blitz. “High blood pressures can lead to diseases later in life, such as heart failure, blindness and complications for kidney and diabetes.” 

SIUE School of Pharmacy: Today’s pharmacists improve patients’ lives through the medication and education they provide. Dedicated to developing a community of caring pharmacists, the SIUE School of Pharmacy curriculum is nationally recognized as a model that offers students a unique combination of classroom education, research, community service and patient care. The School of Pharmacy’s areas of excellence include a drug design and discovery core; pediatric practice; chronic pain research and practice; and diabetes research and practice. As the only downstate Illinois pharmacy doctorate program, the SIUE School of Pharmacy is addressing the growing need for highly trained pharmacists in a rapidly growing field. 

Photos:
Checking on Edwardsville Firefighter Craig Kemper is Karlee Rumler, fourth-year pharmacy student.

Edwardsville Mayor Hal Patton holds still to have his blood pressure checked by Relebohile Sekonyela-Rakolanyana, third-year pharmacy student.