Posted: 3/26/03

Blood pressure check was a life-saver, Holtz says

Gordy Holtz walked into a Forest Lake grocery store on Dec. 26, 2001 with no idea that the visit would help save his life.

Instead of shopping, Holtz, now 67, spent a minute having his blood pressure checked at a booth where Faith Lutheran Church parish nurse Jean Peikert was conducting an on-site health screen program.

What Holtz learned scared him.

His blood pressure that day was 210/106 ó far above danger levels, he said. On the advice of the nurse, Holtz went immediately to the Allina Medical Clinic in Forest Lake.

He was put on high blood pressure medication and later treated for an irregular heart beat. Today he has the hypertension and heart problem under control and the Wyoming man says he has Peikert to thank.

ìI owe her a lot,î Holtz said. ìShe told me I could have a stroke.î

On the day of that initial blood pressure screening, Holtz said he felt funny and the availability of Peikertís booth made him stop. ìI just felt up tight, like I could fly,î he said.

Holtz is one area resident on record supporting the routine health screening services that are offered in the community.

Peikert, as the Faith parish nurse, takes part in regular church-sponsored screening programs at Cub Foods and Lakes Snyder Drug in Forest Lake.

Saturday event

It is with a goal of reaching out to more people that Faith Lutheran Church is proceeding with plans for a community event to promote health and fitness this Saturday.

Peikert and many Faith volunteers will work a community health fair scheduled for 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, March 29 at Faith Lutheran Church, 886 North Shore Drive.

ìSpring into Healthî is free and all ages are invited.

This is an opportunity to learn more about health through screening programs and exhibits, blood pressure, diabetes, glucometer screening, nutrition, dental care, vision, exercise, child seat safety, body fat analysis, hearing, hospice, kids activities, MADD and other topics.

The key note speaker will address: ìEMS: What to do before they get there.î

Other components of the health fair will include information on assisted living, hospice, self defense and water analysis.

Forest Lake Police Department staff will be on hand for a vehicle child safety seat check.

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