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May is High Blood Pressure Education Month and Washington County Public Health is encouraging all residents to learn more about the dangers of high blood pressure.  Washington County Public Health Program Director Chrystal Woller says nearly three of every ten Iowans have high blood pressure.  She says there are steps that can be done to keep your blood pressure at a healthy level.

Quit smoking, remain physically active and eat healthy foods, drink alcohol in moderation are ways to lower your high blood pressure.  Woller adds moderation means a maximum of two drinks a day for men and only one for women.

She says another way to have a healthy blood pressure level is to learn to manage and cope with stress and reduce the amount of salt in your diet.  Woller notes some risk factors for high blood pressure cannot be avoided.

To learn more about high blood pressure and screenings, contact Washington County Public Health.