Protect Your Health

The Y’s Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program teaches participants how to measure and track their blood pressure, eat healthier, and avoid high blood pressure triggers.

The program responds to a critical need in the community: High blood pressure affects 75 million Americans. The condition can lead to increased risk of heart disease and stroke – two leading causes of death in the US, and it is known as a “silent killer” because there typically are no warning signs or symptoms.

About the Program

The four-month Y program is based on research that shows that the simple process of checking and recording blood pressure at least twice a month over four months may lower blood pressure. And, proper nutrition, particularly a reduction in sodium, can help lower diastolic and systolic blood pressure. The program is offered at no-cost, and while there is a fee for the blood pressure cuff, scholarships are available. 

Program participants learn how to properly self-monitor their blood pressure using a cuff. They also get:
  • Two personalized consultations per month
  • Monthly nutrition education seminars on eating healthy, shopping and cooking, stopping hypertension, and reducing sodium
  • Personalized support from trained Healthy Heart Ambassadors
  • Ongoing encouragement through weekly emails, calls, and text messages
The program is designed to help participants meet specific goals:
  • Reduced blood pressure
  • Improved blood pressure management
  • Increased awareness of triggers that spike blood pressure
  • Enhanced knowledge of healthy eating habits 

The YMCA of Metropolitan Denver joins 64 Ys across the country in presenting the program, which is a component of the Million Hearts® 2022 Campaign launched by the US Department of Health and Human Services.

Program Requirements

To qualify for the program, participants must:

  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Be diagnosed with high blood pressure
  • Not have atrial fibrillation or other arrhythmias
  • Not be at risk for lymphedema
Upcoming Programs:

Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring is offered virtually this winter. The current session is ongoing, and new participants are welcome to enroll at any time!

Upcoming Virtual Program dates and events:
Office Hours:

Thursdays from 10 am - 12 pm with Liz Bravman, Nutritionist 
Wednesdays from 6 pm - 7 pm with Caitlin Stackpool, Director of Community Integrated Health

Seminars

Nutrition Education Seminars open to all from 11 am - 12 pm on the following dates (email communityhealth@denverymca.org or Caitlin Stackpool to register):

  • Thursday, January 7, 2021: Lowering Sodium Intake
  • Thursday, February 4, 2021: Shopping, Preparing and Cooking for Better Blood Pressure Management
  • Thursday, March 4, 2021: Heart Healthy Eating
Protect Your Heart at the Y

To learn more and enroll, contact communityhealth@denverymca.org or Caitlin Stackpool at 720 524 2747.