More than 1 out of 10 Americans have high blood pressure and many do not know it. Early detection of this silent disease is important because it can be treated effectively. The blood pressure reading has two numbers. The higher one is the systolic pressure and the lower is diastolic pressure. Blood pressure is considered to be high if the higher number exceeds 140 or the lower number exceeds 90. “Normal” is considered 120 over 80.
You can limit your risk of having high blood pressure by controlling your weight, your exercise, your salt intake and, if appropriate, taking your prescribed medicines.
The FDA notes that, ““Every year thousands of children are hospitalized – and some die – after taking medicine not meant for them.”
Toddlers are attracted to the colorful pills that resemble candy, and teens share stolen prescription drugs at ‘pharm parties.’
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), locking up medications in your home can even minors from accidentally or intentional using them. As the FDA explains, “Studies estimate that up to 50 percent of harm from medication use could be prevented.”
As part of the Safe Use Initiative, the FDA website explains the advantages of locking up medications in the home.
This video features FDA pharmacist Connie Jung explaining how to lower the risk of harm by locking up your meds:
As seen on the FDA’s website, the Safe Use Initiative’s goals are “to foster collaborations within the healthcare community that will help prevent medication errors, misuse and abuse.”
Information provided by BlueCrossBlueShield of Arizona. Looking for an insurance quote from BCBSAZ? Click the top right link of our home page!
More than 1 out of 10 Americans have high blood pressure and many do not know it. Early detection of this silent disease is important because it can be treated effectively. The blood pressure reading has two numbers. The higher one is the systolic pressure and the lower is diastolic pressure. Blood pressure is considered to be high if the higher number exceeds 140 or the lower number exceeds 90. “Normal” is considered 120 over 80.
