Blood Pressure Cuff Size Is Important
Since I am no longer at the clinic to remind you, remember that if you want to reduce your heart disease risk, you need to pay attention to your blood pressure.
If you don't have the proper kind of blood pressure cuff that ain't gonna happen. Don <https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/expert-a nswers/wrist-blood-pressure-monitors/FAQ-20057802?p=1> 't use a cuff on the wrist unless your arm is of substantial size and no arm cuff will fit.
So, use an arm cuff of the proper size.
Here is a standard size arm cuff, set to its largest opening.
Here is the same cuff showing the markings inside. If the white line on the end of the cuff doesn't end up in the indicated range, replace with a larger or smaller cuff.
If the cuff is too small, your blood pressure will probably appear higher than it really is and you may end up taking medication you don't need.
So, to know what your blood pressure runs, remember:
Use an automatic cuff of the appropriate size.
Place it properly on your arm.
Make sure your legs are not crossed.
Measure after you have been sitting quietly for a few minutes.
Sometimes a spouse or friend can manipulate the machinery better than we, plus it's more relaxing just to sit and be still. So if readings are still high, let them work the cuff.
Write down the results each time.
Unusually high spot readings, differing from your norm, are usually inaccurate. Still, share them with your healthcare provider and let them decide.
Measure your blood pressure whenever you are curious about it and.
Before visiting your doctor. They will measure it but they also want to know what it runs at home.
When adjusting medication dose. Also, measuring at different times of day can help you know when best to take your BP meds.
We Get Questions
"I am wondering about where I will get a mercury-free flu vaccine this fall. And when to get an updated COVID vaccine."
Answer: The Centers for Disease Control does not feel that the preservative is enough of a risk to adults to avoid it. We provided them because it was available from our vendor and I think the extra cost is worth it. The window for ordering it closed in early spring. If I find a local source in the fall, I'll let you know.
Regarding COVID-19, the CDC recommends a single dose of the bivalent (AKA "updated" or "Omicron variant BA.4 and BA.5") vaccine if you are over five years old, and a second dose after four months if you are over 65 or at high risk.
HOWEVER, they are expecting to roll out a newer vaccine covering Omicron XBB. 1. 5. in the fall, for which I suspect you won't be eligible if you've had any kind of COVID vaccine in the previous four months.
If you haven't had the bivalent COVID-19 vaccine by this point, I advise one. If you have, I'd wait until the promised new version comes out.
COVID-19 vaccines are available at pharmacies and the Health Department. Flu vaccine is available only at pharmacies and primary care offices. It may give better immunity to flu when given in the morning.