Hypertension discussion to be held on Sept. 16

Hypertension discussion to be held on Sept. 16

An in-depth discussion of diet and hypertension will take place on Sept. 16 at the Geraldine L. Thompson Care Center, located on Hospital Road in the Allenwood section of Wall. Mary Mazza and Chris Colvin, two registered dietitian, will lead the discussions.

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is often called the "silent killer" because it can go undetected for years. Hypertension affects one in four adults in the United States. Another 25 percent of adults have blood pressure readings considered to be on the high end of normal.

Hypertension is a major contributor to some of the most dangerous diseases in our country. Compared to a person with normal blood pressure, someone with hypertension is more than twice as likely to develop heart disease and six times more likely to have a stroke. The first of two sessions will begin at 2 p.m. and end at 4 p.m. The second session will start at 7 p.m. and end at 9 p.m. The sessions are open and free to the public. Representatives of the Visiting Nurses Association (VNA) of New Jersey will be on hand to take blood pressures. Refreshments will be served.

For additional information, contact James Fauci at (732) 938-5250.