I called the local hospital as they seem to have classes for just about
everything these days, parenting, menopause, diabetes, etc. No classes for
hypertension. That surprised me as I thought that would be so common that
they would have a class for that. So I asked where I might find some help.
They directed me to the local health department. Why didn't I think about
that?

For those not living in the USA the health department is a state agency.
They track/treat certain communicable diseases, immunizations for children,
etc. They give away free condoms, etc. They also handle the WIC program
which gives pregnant mothers and babies additional high protein food,
milk/formula, etc in the form of a food stamp-type thing. They also inspect
restaurants for cleanliness, and do lots of industrial health checks.
Because I teach I have to go there for my TB test. So it is sort of an odd
place to explain to someone not familiar with the agency.

Now I'll be honest, this is my least favorite building in town. The building
is old, probably was once some sort of a school or something. But every time
I've had to go there the folks who work there have been very nice.  So I
called. I wound up talking to the nutritionist. She was wonderful!! She even
gave me her email addy along with several web sites filled with good
information. She answered all my questions, told me how much salt I could
have in my diet and gave me some recommendations on how to cut it out and
where. I must say I was impressed.

She even told me they have a computer program and will allow me to track
what I have eaten in 24 hours. I keep the record, she inputs it and the
computer will tell me how balanced or unbalanced. What I am lacking, and how
much I have consumed in vitamins, fat, protein, salt, etc.

Anyway I thought it was interesting. And I thought it was worth passing
along to everyone here in the USA because often people don't know that these
agencies are there to provide help. So the next time you have a question
about something health related you might consider calling the local health
department.
Bev