Name _______________________________
Extra Credit Assignment
Due date: Tuesday, November 8
Goals: This assignment is designed to make you aware of your own blood pressure, and some of the things
that can contribute to it.
Directions: You will measure your blood pressure on two separate occasions. The first occasion should
be during the next week, when your experience of stressors is likely to be somewhat low. The second
occasion should be during the week of the second Midterm exam, at a point when you are likely to be
experiencing greater stress. If these times are not the correct ones for you (based on your own schedule of
classwork, job, etc.) feel free to select times that correspond to ‘low stress’ and ‘high stress’ conditions of
your experience. Regardless of when you do your readings, do your ‘low stress’ reading first!!
Please fill out all sections in this handout.
Procedure: There are sphygmomanometers (devices used to measure BP) available at most large
pharmacies. They are free of charge, and are located near the pharmacists’ area. PLEASE TREAT
THE EQUIPMENT GENTLY; IT IS A SENSITIVE INSTRUMENT!!
1. On each occasion, take three readings, each one being one minute apart. Record the date, time, both
systolic and diastolic pressure, heart rate, and your weight in the chart below. Average the three systolic,
diastolic, and heart rate readings. Answer the questions in Part A below at the time you take your
readings.
2. During a week when you have midterms, return to the *same* location at approximately the *same*
time of day, and follow the same procedure as in (1) above. Answer the questions in Part B below at the
time you take your readings.
3. Answer the questions in Part C.
4. Hand in this entire packet, including this cover sheet, by Tuesday, November 8.
Grading: Maximum possible points are 10. Four points are available for doing the blood pressure
assessments, and answering questions for Parts A and B. Six points are available for the Part C questions.
Your results will remain anonymous and this packet will be returned to you after grading. Your
responses will not be associated with your name or shared with anyone.
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