If you are living with high blood pressure, taking action to keep it well-controlled will minimize your risk for complications like 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. The simple process of checking and recording your blood pressure at least twice a month over a period of four months has been shown to lower blood pressure in many people with high blood pressure.

THE PROGRAM

The YMCA’s Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program is an evidence-based program that features personalized support as you develop the habit of routinely self-monitoring your blood pressure, tips for maintaining your cardiovascular health, and nutrition education. Participants work with trained Healthy Heart Ambassadors to learn proper blood pressure reading techniques, identify trends and patterns in your readings over time, and provide ongoing support as you work to make self-monitoring a habit.

During the four-month program, you will:

• Take your own blood pressure at least two times per month
• Attend two consultations with a Healthy Heart Ambassador per month
• Attend monthly nutrition education seminars

Healthy Heart Ambassadors

Healthy Heart Ambassadors are caring, empathetic Y staff who will support you on your journey toward improved health and blood pressure management. To ensure you feel supported throughout the program, you will also receive weekly communication from a Healthy Heart Ambassador.

Nutrition Seminars

Join us each month for an educational seminar to find out how nutrition choices can impact your blood pressure. We’ll also share the benefits of physical activity in helping to lower blood pressure and reduce your risks of heart disease. FREE and open to the community, please sign-up online, over the phone or in person.

Can I Participate?

To qualify, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be diagnosed with high blood pressure
• Not have experienced a recent cardiac event
• Not have atrial fibrillation or other arrhythmias
• Not be at risk for lymphedema

YMCA membership is not required to participate in the program.

Contact Us

Karen Kalkhoff
Evidence Based Health Intervention Director
414-357-2811
kkalkhoff@ymcamke.org
mkehealthyliving@ymcamke.org