Riverside Medical Center (RMC) is hosting free blood pressure screenings for the community, in hopes of identifying and helping people with high blood pressure who may be unaware of their health risks.

Upcoming community blood pressure screenings include:

• Tues., Feb. 14:  10 a.m. – noon, Waupaca Goodwill, 815 W. Fulton St., Waupaca 

• Sat., March 31:  WDUX Home Show, Waupaca Expo Center, 187 Grand Seasons Drive, Waupaca

Nearly one in three American adults has high blood pressure, a major contributor to the first and third leading causes of death in the United States: heart disease and stroke. Meanwhile, about one in four American adults has prehypertension - blood pressure that is higher than normal, but not yet in the high blood pressure range, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

A resting blood pressure lower than 120 over 80 is considered normal, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. Blood pressures of 120-139 over 80-89 are considered pre-hypertensive, meaning you are at an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Anything higher is considered high blood pressure. As part of its screening program, RMC offers education materials and follow-up recommendations for all participants.