Tuesday, February 4, 2020

Hockomock Area YMCA to Raise Awareness Of Heart Health in February

Blood Pressure Self Monitoring Program classes begin in March

The Hockomock Area YMCA is proud to announce it will be supporting Heart Health in February with blood pressure education and awareness.

These efforts will kick off on National Wear Red Day, February 7th. Launched by the American Heart Association in 2003 to raise awareness about heart disease and stroke in women, National Wear Red Day is celebrated on the first Friday of February. Members, staff, volunteers are encouraged to wear red.

Many forms of heart disease, including hypertension, are highly preventable. Under new Blood Pressure Guidelines, it was announced in 2017 that that roughly 30 million more Americans than previously thought are now considered to have high blood pressure (hypertension), a leading risk factor for stroke, heart attack, kidney disease and dementia. This includes 4 out of 5 people ages 65 and older.

The Hockomock Area YMCA encourages the community to learn their risk for heart disease by getting a blood pressure reading and take action to reduce your risk throughout the month. Visit https://www.hockymca.org/heart-health-month to learn more about free blood pressure screenings as well as strategies and education about blood pressure management.

The YMCA is a provider of the Blood Pressure Self Monitoring program which supports individuals with hypertension lower their blood pressure by following an evidence-based program that combines blood pressure self-monitoring, nutrition education and personalized support. Classes will begin at the North Attleboro and Foxboro YMCAs in March.

“The Hockomock Area YMCA is proud to continue to offer the Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring program,” Caitlin Gibbs, Senior Director of Health Innovation. “The Y is committed to improving the health and well-being of individuals and communities by delivering new programs and initiatives.”

The North Attleboro Branch will offer the program March 3-April 28 on Tuesdays at 11:30am-12:30pm. The Foxboro Branch will run the program about both 12:00pm-1:30pm and 6:00pm-7:30pm on Thursdays, March 5 – April 30.

People who enroll in February for the March program will receive 50% off the program, a blood pressure monitor (valued at $40), heart healthy recipes and education. This special February offer is $80 for YMCA members and $125 for non-members.

As part of the Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring program, participants will measure their blood pressure using correct techniques and tips, a minimum of eight times, record their blood pressure readings in a self-selected tracking tool and meet weekly in a small group setting. 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 cuff, encourage self-monitoring and facilitate monthly nutrition education seminars.

The Hockomock Area YMCA is looking for adults with high blood pressure to take part in this program. For a small investment of time and minimal fee, participants receive:
  • A 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
  • Heart healthy nutrition education seminars
  • Blood pressure monitoring cuff if participant does not own one
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
  • Must not be at risk for lymphedema
For more information or to enroll in the program, visit https://www.hockymca.org/heart-health-month, email kellyd@hockymca.org or call 508-772-1310.
Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring program
Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring program

About Hockomock Area YMCA:
Where Cause Meets Community. At the Hockomock Area YMCA, strengthening community is our cause. The Hockomock Area YMCA is an organization of men, women, and children sharing a commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility.

Our YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities we are privileged to serve. The Hockomock Area YMCA is a not-for-profit charitable cause-driven organization with facilities in North Attleboro, Foxboro, Franklin, and Mansfield. For more information visit hockymca.org.

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