The class will target a group of 40 African Americans 35 to 60 years old. The tools needed for the class are 20 electronic and 20 mechanical tonometers, paper and pens for each of the learners.
The class will start with an introduction of what hypertension is and why being African American is a risk factor for hypertension, which will include an explanation of genetic and environmental tendencies such as sensitivity to salt, comparative statistics of hypertension among African Americans and people of other ethnicities. For example, 41% of African Americans suffer from hypertension whereas the percentage of whites with the same issue is only 27 (High Blood Pressure in African-Americans, 2015).
Further, the learners will be introduced to a list of high blood pressure risk factors (such as passive lifestyle, fatty and salty diet, diabetes, smoking, excessive weight, older age) and asked to draw a circle on the piece of paper each time they realize they have this factor. Based on the number of circles the learners will find out the level of their risk of developing hypertension.
Then, the class will be given out electronic and mechanical tonometers and taught how to use them and asked to practice of each other and then on themselves. They also will be educated about the numerical meanings of normal, high and low blood pressure.
Finally, the class will be taught how to cope with hypertension at home, for example, lie down, unbutton all the tight clothes, calm down and breathe slowly, put a warm compress on the back of the head, avoid walking around (First Aid Management of Hypertensive Crisis, 2013). Besides, the learners will be educated about the lifestyle and diet required to address hypertension, which include exercising and activities to avoid obesity, and consuming products improving blood pressure such as grapefruit, celery, boiled potatoes (Home remedies for high blood pressure / hypertension, 2015).
Reference List
First Aid Management of Hypertensive Crisis. (2013). First Aid Saskatoon. Web.
High Blood Pressure in African-Americans. (2015). WebMD. Web.
Home remedies for high blood pressure / hypertension. (2015). MedIndia. Web.