YMCA unveils blood pressure self-monitoring program to fight hypertension

Nearly 4 in 10 Delawareans struggle with hypertension, and the YMCA is taking action to address this statistic.

In an effort to combat Delaware’s growing hypertension crisis, the YMCA of Delaware has launched a new Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring (BPSM) program aimed at empowering individuals to take control of their heart health.

Initially available at the Bear-Glasgow Family YMCA with virtual options offered, the program is set to expand to other YMCA locations across the state in the coming months.

Hypertension, affecting 36% of Delaware residents, is a leading contributor to cardiovascular disease, the second leading cause of death in the state.

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With this alarming health trend, the YMCA’s initiative aims to provide the necessary tools, education, and support to help individuals monitor their blood pressure, adopt healthier lifestyles, and reduce their risk of heart disease and stroke.

“At the Y, we are committed to strengthening community health and empowering individuals to take control of their well-being,” said Amy Desmond, director of community health at the YMCA of Delaware. “This program provides a simple yet powerful way for people to monitor their blood pressure and make meaningful lifestyle changes that can help prevent heart disease and stroke.”

How the program can help people with hypertension

The YMCA’s Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program is a four-month, evidence-based initiative aimed at helping adults with hypertension lower and manage their blood pressure. The program includes personalized support from a trained Healthy Heart Ambassador, nutrition education, and guidance on identifying lifestyle factors that affect blood pressure.

The program is open to adults aged 18 and older who are diagnosed with high blood pressure or taking antihypertensive medication. Participants should not have had a recent cardiac event or be at risk for lymphedema.

For more information or to register, individuals can contact the YMCA’s Community Health Department at [email protected] or call (302) 572-9622.

The YMCA of Delaware stated it is also grateful for the support of the American Heart Association, which has generously donated 50 blood pressure monitoring devices and a self-monitoring kiosk.

These resources, available at the Bear-Glasgow Family YMCA, are designed to enhance accessibility and encourage those at risk to actively manage their heart health.

The self-monitoring kiosk will be unveiled on April 8 at 10:30 a.m.

Yinka Ischei, community impact manager at the American Heart Association, emphasized the importance of knowing one’s blood pressure numbers.

“Knowing your numbers is key to preventing heart disease and stroke,” Ischei said. “By making blood pressure monitoring more accessible, we hope to empower more people to take control of their heart health and make informed decisions.”

In addition, the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) has committed financial support and grant funding to help expand the program across more YMCA locations within the next 6-12 months.

“Blood pressure self-monitoring programs empower individuals to take control of their health, providing them with the tools to track their progress and work with their healthcare providers to prevent complications,” said Shebra Hall, chief of the Bureau of Chronic Disease at DHSS. “It’s an important step toward improving cardiovascular health and reducing health disparities.”