Blood pressure clinics start Friday

SUMMERSIDE - It's a simple test that can potentially save a life.
With hundreds of Prince County residents without a family doctor, though, regular blood pressuring monitoring is easier said than done.
Beginning Friday, free drop-in blood pressure monitoring will be available at Central Street's Medicine Shoppe.
"When I came here, realized the doctor-patient ratio was worse than anything I've seen anywhere, I thought there should be room for this," said retired respiratory therapist John Gallant, who helped establish the clinic.
With a local doctor's help, Gallant, who worked with a similar clinic in Ontario, found retired registered nurses willing to help, including Sisters Mary Haire and Pat Power.
"If high blood pressure goes undetected, it does lead to damage to the heart and all kinds of health problems down the road," said Haire. "A lot of home blood pressure machines are not reliable. I think you really need to have the proper equipment and the proper people doing it."
She added this type of testing is going to become more in demand.
"I honestly feel people might have a little bit more confidence in what we are trying to do if they realize we are all medically registered, retired people trying to give a little back to people in the community," said Gallant.
The idea has also received full support of Medicine Shoppe pharmacist Greg Burton, who provided the space for the weekly clinic, which goes 1 to 3 p.m.
"When I was doing it in Ontario, we had a number of people who came in who hadn't seen a doctor in 10, 15 years," said Gallant, adding early detection could save a life.
If a problem is detected, clients will receive a slip recommending they attend a clinic or ER. Counselling will also be available on how to manage high blood pressure.
Dr. Doug Carmody is the clinic's medical director.
Retired health-care professionals interested in volunteering or anyone looking for information can contact Gallant at 436-1146.