Blood Pressure

Home Blood Pressure

BLOOD PRESSURE SELF-MONITORING PROGRAM

One in three American adults have high blood pressure, and only about half of people with high blood pressure have their condition under control. Here at the Y, we want to help. That’s why we started our Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program. We believe that regularly monitoring your blood pressure is the first step to improving your heart health. If you are living with high blood pressure, taking action to keep it well-controlled will minimize your risk for complications such as stroke, heart attack, and even death.

 

High blood pressure, which makes the heart work harder than it should with each beat, is especially dangerous because it often has no warning signs and usually lasts a lifetime once it develops. Evidence shows that the simple process of checking and recording your blood pressure at least four times a month over a period of four months lowers blood pressure in many people. This forms the basis for the YMCA’s Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program, an evidence-based program that features personalized support as you develop the habit of routinely self-monitoring your own blood pressure, tips for maintaining your cardiovascular health, and nutrition education.

 

SIGN UP TODAY!

Sign up by contacting our Wellness Director, Zandra Golter at 402-463-3139 or email health@hastingsymca.net

"You've made it convenient for us to keep up with our health!"
-  Aletheir Evans

  • Enrollment will take place during the office hours below.
  • YMCA membership is NOT required to participate in the program.

Reference: American Heart Association

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YMCA Self Monitoring Blood Pressure Program

 

"I've really enjoyed it and I want to thank the Y!"
- Glennis Theesen

FREE NUTRITION CLASSES
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How the Program Works

Participants will work with trained Healthy Heart Ambassadors for the duration of the four-month program. Just a few check-ins per month can yield big results. You will:

  • Take your own blood pressure at least two times per month.
  • Attend two consultations with a YMCA Healthy Heart Ambassador per month. No appointment necessary.
  • Attend monthly nutrition education.

You will record your blood pressure readings using an easy-to-use tracking tool of your own choosing. The Y can provide options for participants who need a home blood pressure monitor. A small investment produces big results.

Benefits of the Program

The YMCA’s Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program helps participants:

  • Reduce their blood pressure by identifying patterns and trend on which to take action.
  • Increase their awareness of triggers that elevate blood pressure.
  • Improve their knowledge of heart-healthy eating habits
  • Enrich communication with their health care provider by sharing self-monitoring results
Program Features

Healthy Heart Ambassadors

Certified Healthy Heart Ambassadors will train you on the proper technique for taking your own blood pressure readings accurately, will assist you in identifying trends and patterns in your readings over time, and will provide ongoing support as you work to make blood pressure self-monitoring a habit.

Office Hour Consultations

Healthy Heart Ambassadors are available each week for one-on-one 10-minute consultations to support you as you continue to better manage your blood pressure. You’ll be asked to attend at least two consultations a month, but you are welcome any time a Healthy Heart Ambassador is on-duty. To ensure you feel supported throughout the program, you will also receive weekly emails, calls or text messages from a Healthy Heart Ambassador.

Nutrition Education Seminars

 Seminars will highlight how food is related to blood pressure management and will provide you with the knowledge and skills to make heart healthy choices. Seminar topics include reducing sodium intake and heart healthy eating. Each 60-minute seminar will also offer an opportunity for you to take your own blood pressure with coaching on proper technique from an on-site Healthy Heart Ambassador.

Participating Locations

Hastings Family YMCA
Tuesdays, 9:00 am – 10:30 am

Community Health Center

Mondays, 10:00 am - 11:30 am

Corporate Participation

INVEST IN YOUR WORKPLACE

  • Did you know that 25% of employees have high blood pressure?
  • Employee high blood pressure costs U.S. employers $518 per year, per employee.
  • Workplaces that invest in the health and well-being of their employees improve productivity, morale, retention, recruitment, absentees, and turnover!
SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR WORKPLACE

Invest in a well-being program. The YMCA offers a Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program for businesses and organizations in our community. We'll come on-site regularly and help your staff manage their blood pressure creating a healthier and happier workplace!

Grants

Thank you to these organizations for funding this program through grants dollars: