Huntington Hospital Community Outreach nurses want to empower all members of the community to enjoy the healthiest lifestyle possible. Beginning Friday March 28, at 12:00 noon, they will be visiting Crowell Public Library once a month, offering free blood pressure and glucose screenings. Patrons will be seen on a first come, first served basis and no appointment is needed. No insurance information is required; the nurses will only ask for first name, age, and zip code. The nurses will set up in the Library’s Barth Community Room right after Tuesday’s Brain Aerobics/Lip Reading session.
These blood pressure and glucose evaluations can lead to prevention and early detection of the “silent killer” diseases such as hypertension, heart disease, and diabetes. As needs determine, the nurses offer counseling, education, referrals, and an opportunity to discuss any health management related issues or questions. Frequent topics of discussion include: how to use a glucose meter, questions about a recommended diet, or where to attend a health class. The nurses provide a small card on which to record results, a good way to keep track of one’s health status and monitor progress.
These outreach nurses are active all year, working with many community-based organizations such as community centers, senior centers, faith organizations, schools, food banks, mental wellness programs, and health clinics. Kathy Eastwood, R.N., has worked at Huntington Hospital over three decades in Cardiology, ICU, and in Community Outreach for the last ten years. Her passion is teaching and promoting a healthy lifestyle and she is also a certified yoga instructor. Encouraging and empowering others to wellness is her goal. Ruth Pichaj, R.N., has worked in various areas of Huntington Hospital for nearly 30 years including the Senior Care Network as a case manager, and for the past ten years in Community Outreach. She enjoys connecting with and helping clients through all her community clinics and is fluent in the Spanish language.
All adults are invited to avail themselves of this free program, offered to empower the community to stay happy and healthy throughout 2017!
Crowell Public Library, 1890 Huntington Drive, San Marino, (626) 300-0777, or visit www.CrowellPublicLibrary.org, or their Facebook and Twitter pages.