Blood Pressure is the pressure exerted by the blood at right angles to the walls of the blood vessels. Unless indicated otherwise, blood pressure refers to systemic arterial blood pressure, i.e., the pressure in the large arteries delivering blood to body parts other than the lungs, such as the brachial artery (in the arm). The pressure of the blood in other vessels is lower than the arterial pressure.

DID YOU KNOW…
• High blood pressure affects about one-third of all African American women.

• African American women have high blood pressure more often than Caucasian and Hispanic women.

• African American women are also more likely to have serious problems as a result of their high blood pressure than Caucasian women. These serious problems include stroke, heart disease, and kidney failure.

• As many as 20% of African American women with high blood pressure will die as a result of their
high blood pressure.

• About 27% of the African American population with high blood pressure is unaware that they have
this condition.

Can’t Afford Health Care
There are many programs to help you and your famly get free or low cost health care. Medical Assistance, Healthy Start and BadgerCare are the most common. Many families, working and non-working, are eligible.

These programs offer many benefits, such as doctor visits, hospital services, prenatal care, Health check and check-ups, immunization shots, eyeglasses, hearing aids, prescription drugs, family planning, therapies, mental health services, alcohol/drug addiction care, dental care and emergency services.

You and your children may be eligible if you:

• Have children under age 19 living with you, or you are pregnant.

• You meet certain income guidelines. The most important thing to do is apply for these programs, even if you are
not sure if you qualify.

Documents/information you will need for each person applying:
• Social Security Number.
• Birth Certificate.
• Marital status.
• Citizenship status.
• Employer’s name and address.
• Income wages.
• If you already have health insurance coverage:name of insurance company, policy number and who is covered
under the policy.

You can also apply for these programs
on line at: www.access.wi.gov