International Association of Fire Fighters launches high blood pressure awareness program

During the Affiliate Leadership Training Summit this week in Phoenix, Arizona, the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) and Novartis Pharmaceutical Corporation launched the Stop ~ Drop ~ Control High Blood Pressure (HBP) program, an initiative to increase awareness of high blood pressure among IAFF members and encourage them to take action to manage their high blood pressure. In addition, the program includes resources and materials our locals can use to conduct blood pressure screenings and educate the public on the dangers of the disease and the importance of treating it.

According to the American Heart Association, an estimated 73 million Americans–nearly one in three adults–suffer from high blood pressure. It is a serious chronic disease that can cause damage to the body with every beat of the heart. It’s easily detected and can be managed, but if left uncontrolled, high blood pressure can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.

The Stop ~ Drop ~Control High Blood Pressure program is available online as part of the Fit to Survive section of the IAFF Web site and includes a toolkit with high blood pressure awareness materials and a “screening-in-a-box” complete with instructions on how to coordinate, conduct and promote a blood pressure screening in the community.

More IAFF: www.iaff.org

Fire Destroys Historic North Philadelphia Church

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tacoma (wa) firing range

One Killed, Another Injured in Fire at Indoor Shooting Range in Tacoma (WA)

One person was killed and another injured after fire broke out at an indoor shooting range in Tacoma on Sunday.