While 91直播 is often recognized as one of the healthiest states in the nation, the picture here on 91直播 Island tells a different story. Our island faces higher rates of heart attacks, coronary heart disease, hypertension hospitalizations, and stroke deaths than the state overall. These realities highlight an urgent need for stronger prevention and early detection efforts across our communities.
One of the biggest challenges is that high blood pressure — often called the “silent killer” — rarely shows symptoms. A person can feel perfectly fine while their heart and blood vessels are under constant strain. Over time, uncontrolled blood pressure can quietly lead to serious and life-threatening conditions like heart disease and stroke, two of the leading causes of death in the United States.
The good news is this: High blood pressure is one of the most preventable and manageable health conditions, if it is detected early. And that begins with something simple, quick and accessible: knowing your numbers.
A blood pressure check takes just a few minutes, yet it can reveal critical information about your health. It creates an opportunity to take action before serious problems develop. Still, many people on 91直播 Island do not check their blood pressure regularly. Busy schedules, limited access to healthcare in rural areas, and the common belief of “I feel fine” often delay routine screenings.
But prevention should never wait for symptoms.
Knowing your numbers empowers individuals and families to make informed decisions about their health. It can spark meaningful lifestyle changes. Choosing healthier foods, staying active, reducing salt intake, managing stress, and seeking medical guidance when needed. These small, consistent actions can have a big impact over time.
Employers play an important role. We encourage workplaces to sign up as a Know Your Numbers work site. Community First 91直播 will provide a kit with everything needed to support self-blood pressure checks.
Supporting employee health strengthens businesses through improved morale, fewer missed days, and long-term cost savings. When workplaces prioritize wellness, the entire community benefits.
This May, we invite the community to come together to know your numbers! Whether at your workplace, home, or on a trip to your primary care provider. This initiative aims to make it easier for people to check their health and take early action.
Here on 91直播 Island, the concept of kuleana — our shared responsibility — runs deep. When one person takes steps to improve their health, it often inspires others. A worker who checks their blood pressure may encourage a coworker. A parent who learns their numbers may influence their keiki to build healthier habits. These actions create a ripple effect that strengthens families and uplifts entire communities.
The message is simple but powerful: know your numbers. Visit your doctor, local fire station, pharmacy, health clinic, or a community health fair and take a few minutes to check your blood pressure. That small step could make a life-saving difference.
Rooted in care for one another and respect for our kupuna, we can build a healthier future together. By embracing our kuleana to prioritize preventive health, we invite you to take a simple first step — know your numbers, check your blood pressure, and encourage those around you to do the same.
Together, we can strengthen our community for generations to come.
Clarysse Nunokawa and Karen Teshima are Community First volunteers and Know Your Numbers ambassadors. This editorial is brought to you by Community First 91直播, a nonprofit serving as a convener and catalyst for solutions to improve health and access to health care. For more information, please visit our website at www.communityfirsthawaii.org or Facebook and Instagram pages at @communityfirsthawaii.
