For the third-straight season, the Green Bay Packers and Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation joined forces to tackle the chronic disease of high blood pressure. With the goal to raise community awareness and educate people on the risks associated with untreated high blood pressure, the program continues to be a success.
This season proved effective once again, as the program urged football fans and the entire Wisconsin community to "Get in the Zone," by setting a blood pressure goal with their doctor and allowing the Blood Pressure Success Zone Program help them reach that goal.
The Blood Pressure Success Zone Program includes comprehensive and customized patient support and education programs in the area of hypertension. Participants in the program received information about treatment, education and tailored action plans to help reach blood pressure goals set for them by their health care professionals.
Toward the beginning of the Packers 2010 season, fans took the opportunity to have a free blood pressure screening at Lambeau Field on gameday. Since the programs' existence, nearly 2,800 screenings have been done and more than 850 screenings this year alone.
Throughout the season, those who had their blood pressure screened were entered into a contest with a chance to win two tickets and sideline passes for the Packers matchup with the New York Giants Dec. 26.
This year, Kevin Pepper from West, Allis, Wis., and John Forcey from Seymour, Wis., were the chosen winners.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 26 percent of surveyed Wisconsin residents were told by a healthcare professional that they had high blood pressure. High blood pressure is one of the most important, but treatable, risk factors for cardiovascular disease – the world's leading cause of death. An estimated 73 million adults in the U.S. – nearly one in three – have high blood pressure, and nearly 40 percent of those who are taking blood pressure medication are not at a goal of less than 140/90 mm HG.
More information about Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation and the program can be found online at www.pharma.us.novartis.com.
