May 22, 2002 – Since a check of your blood pressure can turn up some potentially serious problems, it might be a good idea to stop by the St. John Emergency Medical Service Association table at the Marketplace on Thursday for a quick, free check.
"It's to determine a baseline blood pressure measurement," the association president, Carol Beckowitz, said. And that measurement, she added, is "to determine if there's a possibility of hypertension or a predisposition because of family history."
Emergency medical technicians will be on hand from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the courtyard outside Starfish Market. Beckowitz said the free screening is part of the organization's observance of National Emergency Services Week, which began Sunday and runs through Saturday.
If the check shows that your blood pressure is elevated, you will be advised to see a doctor for further evaluation and treatment.
Beckowitz said that unless you make an appointment with your doctor or at the Myrah Keating Smith Community Health Center, there is no place to go on St. John for a blood pressure check. Therefore, the free screening provides convenience.

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