(above) Participate in The Gateway Family YMCA’s Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program to improve your health.
YMCA Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program
The Gateway Family YMCA is offering a new session of the YMCA’s Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program throughout 2020, designed to help participants with hypertension lower their blood pressure by following an evidence-based program that combines blood pressure self-monitoring, nutrition education seminars and personalized support. This program will be offered at The Gateway Family YMCA – Wellness Center Branch, 1000 Galloping Hill Road, Union, NJ. The program is also being offered at the Rahway Branch, 1654 Irving Street, Rahway and the Elizabeth Branch, 135 Madison Avenue, Elizabeth, as well as in collaboration with local community groups.
The Y developed this program to help individuals better manage hypertension and improve their overall health. According to the American Heart Association, more than 80 million Americans have high blood pressure, but less than half have it under control. Research shows that the simple process of checking and recording blood pressure at least twice a month over four months may lower blood pressure in some people with hypertension. In addition, evidence shows that proper nutrition, particularly with a reduction in sodium intake, may help reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressures.
“The Gateway Family YMCA is proud to continue to support the Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring program,” said Krystal R. Canady, CEO, The Gateway Family YMCA. “The Y is the leading community-based organization dedicated to improving the nation’s health and this program is a great example of putting that commitment into action.”
As part of the Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring program, participants will measure their blood pressure at least two times a month for four consecutive months—a minimum of eight times–and record their blood pressure readings in a self-selected tracking tool. A nutrition education component will encourage the participants to practice healthier eating habits, including reducing sodium in their diet.
The program is facilitated by Healthy Heart Ambassadors, appointed and trained by the Y, who will show participants how to use a blood pressure monitor, encourage self-monitoring and facilitate monthly nutrition education seminars.
The Gateway Family YMCA is looking for adults with high blood pressure who could benefit from participating in this program. Benefits include: simple, evidence-based program that may lower blood pressure; personalized support from a Y Healthy Heart Ambassador; tips for maintaining cardiovascular health; easy-to-use, portable self-tracking tool; and heart healthy nutrition education seminars.
Participants must meet the following criteria to participate in the program: must be at least 18 years old; must be diagnosed with high blood pressure; must not have experienced a recent cardiac event; must not have atrial fibrillation or other arrhythmias; and must not be at risk for lymphedema.
There is a small fee for the Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring program and financial assistance is available to those who qualify. In addition to the program, The Gateway Family YMCA will be providing weekly Nutritional Seminars that are free open to the community.
For more information contact Mike Johnson at BPSM@tgfymca.org or 908-249-4809. To register for the program, visit tgfymca.org or The Gateway Family YMCA branches in Elizabeth, Rahway and Union.
