To the editor,
In view of the problems of shortage of staff at emergency rooms and hospitals, perhaps an ounce of prevention might be in order.
Hypertension is not unusual in these stressful times, and Upper Clearwater has many elderly residents (adding an extra half hour or more to get to Helmcken Memorial Hospital, if the emerg is open). As I was trying to determine if I had a problem with hypertension, a doctor suggested the use of an Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitor (ABPM).
Unfortunately, the nearest one would be in Kamloops, requiring an appointment, and the equipment used must be returned in 24 hours, which would either mean two return trips to Kamloops, or an overnight stay at a motel. This doctor thought it would be valuable for Clearwater residents to have local access to one.
Hypertension, sometimes called the “silent killer,” can be measured with a relatively inexpensive blood pressure monitor, but if the readings are all over the map, then an ABPM would be the next step. Unfortunately, this is not available in Clearwater.
I’m wondering if there are any fundraising groups that might have an interest in working towards this goal.
The ABPM is expensive, almost $3,000. I’m ready to contribute the money I would save on gas and a motel stay, but that’s only a drop in the bucket.
It might be reassuring to Clearwater senior residents to have access to an ABPM.
Thank you for any leads.
Sincerely,
P. Gregson
newsroom@clearwatertimes.com
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter