Okay, you've got to love this! A new study,Effectiveness of a Barber-Based Intervention for Improving Hypertension Control in Black Men, recently published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, showed that barbers were effective in performing blood pressure screenings and referring clients with elevated pressures to medical care.
I think this is a wonderful example of thinking outside the box to reach patients. Virtually everyone gets their hair cut, and has one-on-one time with that barber or stylist. What a great use of an extra minute to add on a quick blood pressure check! I'd bet my lowest blood pressure readings come right after a wonderful shampoo at the salon. People are less likely to be stressed, which would help avoid "white coat" high blood pressure that we often see as patients become anxious in our office.
Bottom Line: Let's take this study one step further, and on your next trip to the grocery store, be your own advocate and take an extra minute to check your blood pressure as you pass by the pharmacy section (many offer their customers a wonderful, high quality cuff that you simply slip your arm into and press start.)
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