The YMCA’s Cardiovascular Health Programs are evidence-based programs that feature personalized support as you develop the habit of monitoring your blood pressure, receive tips for maintaining your cardiovascular health, and learn about nutrition education.

The YMCA’s Cardiovascular Health Programs help 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 healthcare provider by sharing self-monitoring results

If you are a clinician with a patient you think may benefit from participating in this program, fill out and submit the Referral Form. Completed forms may be submitted to the Program Coordinator at kdelong@muskegonymca.org.

Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program

Participants in this program will meet one-on-one with trained YMCA Healthy Heart Ambassadors. During the four-month program, you will:

• Learn proper techniques for taking your own blood pressure
• Attend two one-on-one consultations with an Ambassador per month
• Attend monthly Nutrition Education Seminars
• Record your blood pressure readings using an easy-to-use tracking tool of your own choosing.

Heart Attack and Stroke Prevention Program

With the support of trained YMCA Healthy Heart Ambassadors, participants in this program will engage in group-based discussion with other individuals with similar health goals. Throughout the four-month program, you will:

• Attend 8 group-based discussions held every other week for one hour to learn more about heart health
• Track your blood pressure at least one time per week
• Monitor and set goals to reduce sodium intake
• Increase your physical activity to 150 minutes per week by the end of the program