Blood pressure management program kicking off in May at the Y

Nearly half of U.S. adults have high blood pressure, according to the American Heart Association, and many don’t even know they have it. The best way to find out – have your blood pressure checked.

During National High Blood Pressure Education Month in May, the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA is looking to help people manage and lower their blood pressure. The YMCA, located at 1340 Martine Avenue in Scotch Plains, will be kicking off the next session of its evidence-based Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program (BPSM) on Wednesday, May 22 at 12pm. The informational kickoff is open to the public and includes information on the DASH Diet for managing blood pressure.

BPSM is a 4-month initiative that teams participants with specially-trained YMCA Healthy Heart Ambassadors to learn how to manage their blood pressure and improve their overall health. During this program, participants will: be encouraged to self-measure their blood pressure at least twice per month utilizing a user-friendly, self-selected tracking tool; attend weekly blood pressure checks with their Ambassador, and attend four nutrition seminars at the Y.

Blood pressure management can increase your quality of life and help decrease your risk of associated illnesses, including heart attack, stroke, heart failure, kidney disease and vision loss. 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 high blood pressure. In addition, evidence shows that proper nutrition, particularly with a reduction in sodium intake, may help reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressures.

To qualify for our Blood-Pressure Self-Monitoring Program, participants 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 of lymphedema

You do not need to be a YMCA member to participate in the program. To join the kickoff on May 22, please contact Donna Peart at dpeart@fspymca.org or 908-889-8880. All Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA guests must show a valid, government-issued photo ID to enter the Y building.

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About the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA

The Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA is dedicated to improving the quality of life of the individuals, families and communities it serves through programs and services that build wholeness of spirit, mind and body. The YMCA is a not-for-profit organization founded on Christian principles, serving people of all ages, races, faith, cultures and socio-economic conditions. For information on membership or programs, or to request a schedule of classes, please call the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA at (908) 889-8880 or visit https://fspymca.org. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify.