Quick Guide for Kids
Having your blood pressure checked

Your heart is about as big as your fist. It pumps blood through your body, from your head to your toes. You have your blood pressure checked to learn if your heart is pumping like it should. Your blood pressure is checked with a blood pressure cuff that fits around your arm.

What happens when the nurse checks your blood pressure?

1. First, the nurse puts the cuff around your arm. It fits just above your elbow.
2. The cuff is connected to a tool on the wall. The nurse will watch this to read your blood pressure.
3. The nurse will pump air air into the cuff. It will get tighter.
4. The nurse will watch the device on the wall, and will also take your pulse.
5. When the nurse has read your blood pressure, the air is let out of the cuff. It is taken off your arm.

Facts about blood pressure

• Have your blood pressure checked once a year.
• If you are worried when your blood pressure is checked, your blood pressure may go up.
• If your blood pressure isn't what it should be, your nurse or doctor will talk with you and your parents.
• If you have high blood pressure, it is important to take care of it. That can help keep you from getting sick later on when you grow up.

What should your blood pressure be?

To help your heart stay healthy, you should:

1. Get lots of exercise.
   
   • Be active in sports or physical education classes
   • Dance or skate or ride your bike
   • Walk or run to school
2. Eat healthy foods.
   
   • Foods like these are good for your heart:
     
     • beans
     • bread
     • broccoli
     • carrots
     • cereal
     • fish
     • oranges
     • pasta
     • pretzels
     • rice
     • strawberries
   • Foods like these are bad for your heart:
     
     • butter
     • candy bars
     • doughnuts
     • French fries
     • fried foods
     • potato chips
     • sausage
     • snack cakes