BPSM – Muskegon YMCA

Take action to improve heart health

If you are diagnosed with high blood pressure, there are things you can do to manage it, even without medication. Taking action to keep it well-controlled will minimize your risk for complications like stroke, heart attack, and even death. Lifestyle changes — including the simple act of monitoring your own blood pressure on a regular basis — can play an important role in managing your high blood pressure.

The Y can help. The YMCA’s Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program is an evidence-based program that features personalized support as you develop the habit of monitoring your blood pressure, tips for maintaining your cardiovascular health, and nutrition education.

Did you know

One out of every three adults has high blood pressure — more than 68 million people?
Only about half of people with high blood pressure know they have it?
High blood pressure contributes to or causes more than 1,000 deaths each day in the U.S.?

Blood pressure is the force of blood pumping against your arteries. High blood pressure, often called hypertension, occurs when the force of this pressure is damaging to the arteries. You could say the damage is done quietly, as most of the time high blood pressure has no obvious symptoms.

There are plenty of reasons to check your blood pressure:

About 7 of every 10 people having their first heart attack have high blood pressure.¹
About 8 of every 10 people having their first stroke have high blood pressure.¹
About 7 of every 10 people with chronic heart failure have high blood pressure.²
¹ American Heart Association, Common Blood Pressure Myths
² Centers for Disease Control, Prevention, Blood Pressure Facts

How the program works

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

Reduce their blood pressure by identifying patterns and trends on which to take action
Better manage their blood pressure over time
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

Participants will work with trained YMCA 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 an Ambassador per month
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.

Can I participate?

To qualify for the Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program, 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.