Embodying the spirit and mission of Live Well San Diego – healthy, safe and thriving communities - people are loving their hearts by participating in the many free “Love Your Heart” blood pressure screenings throughout the County.  San Diego residents and out of town visitors as well as staff all got their blood pressure checked at the San Diego LGBT Community Center at in Hillcrest.  The screening will continue until 4pm today.

By having their blood pressured checked, participants, like Center staff La Rue Fields, were making healthy, positive, life-sustaining choices.  Ms. Fields was glad to get her blood pressure checked because she has high blood pressure at times and it had been one month since her last blood pressure screening.  She stated that she was “very pleased” with the results.

The screenings also provided a good opportunity for out-of-town visitors to make their health a priority.  Boston resident, Greg Flynn, made the healthy decision today, stating,   “I check at home but have been away for two weeks and decided to do it here.”

Another community member was surprised that his results were higher than he anticipated since he had “done it 2 weeks ago and it was pretty normal” but he “intends to keep it checked out and follow-up.”

National City Councilwoman, Alejandra Sotelo-Solis, was determined to make the heart healthy choice and have her blood pressure checked at one of the many countywide sites. While taking care of other business in Mission Valley, she found out where the nearest site was located and rushed over to the Center to find out her numbers.  Councilwoman Sotelo-Solis stated, “For me, knowing that heart disease runs in my family, it’s important to know my blood pressure levels so I can continue my daily walks….and watch my sodium intake to stay healthy.”