Cardiovascular Health Programs

CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH PROGRAMS

Nearly half of all U.S. adults have high blood pressure, but only a quarter of them have it under control. 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. The Y can help.

TAKE THE ASSESSMENT

If you think you may be eligible to participate in our Cardiovascular Health Programs, take our cardiovascular risk assessment.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

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

WHO IT'S FOR

To qualify for the Cardiovascular Health Programs, 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

CLINICIAN REFERRAL

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(Replace this parenthesis with the @ sign)muskegonymca.org.

REFERRAL FORM

PROGRAM DETAILS

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