American Heart Month at The Gateway Family YMCA

Union, NJ, March 04, 2020 --(PR.com)-- February is American Heart Month, and as a leading community-based organization committed to improving the nation’s health, The Gateway Family YMCA urges everyone to get a blood pressure screening. Revised blood pressure guidelines from American Heart Association mean that nearly half of all Americans (46 percent) have high blood pressure. High blood pressure is often referred to as “The Silent Killer” because there are typically no warning signs or symptoms.

While high blood pressure and heart disease are serious conditions the good news is that a healthy heart is an achievable goal through lifestyle changes such as lowering sodium intake, eating healthier and getting more physical activity. Getting help can be as easy as going to your local Y and taking part in the Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program or the Group Lifestyle Balance Program.

“There are many factors in keeping your heart healthy and having a handle on your blood pressure and sodium intake are effective tools in the preventing heart disease,” said Krystal R. Canady, CEO, The Gateway Family YMCA. “Whether you have high blood pressure, are at risk for heart disease or want to keep your heart healthy the Y has resources that can help achieve better health.”

Research shows that the simple process of checking and recording your blood pressure at least twice a month over a four-month period, along with regular physical activity, proper nutrition and reducing sodium intake, may lower blood pressure in people with high blood pressure.

The Gateway Family YMCA offers the YMCA’s Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program to assist adults with hypertension lower and better manage their blood pressure. The program focuses on regular monitoring of one’s blood pressure at home using proper measuring techniques, individualized support and nutrition education to potentially reduce blood pressure and improve their quality of life. Nationally, the YMCA’s Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program is available at more than 400 locations in 40 states and, thanks to generous support from the CDC’s Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention division, will continue to expand in 2020. To date, participants have lowered their systolic blood pressure by an average of 11.1 mmhg between initial and final readings.

In addition to monitoring your blood pressure, reducing sodium intake is a great way to keep your heart healthy. Per the American Heart Association (AHA), too much sodium in your system puts an extra burden on your heart and blood vessels. In some people, this may lead to or raise high blood pressure. Everyone, including kids, should reduce their sodium intake to less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium a day (about 1 teaspoon of salt). Having less sodium in your diet may help you lower or avoid high blood pressure.

The Group Lifestyle Balance Program provides a supportive environment where participants work together in a small group to learn about eating healthier, increasing their physical activity and making other behavior changes with the goal of reducing body weight by 7 percent in order to reduce their risk for developing diabetes. A trained Lifestyle Coach leads the program. Increased physical activity and moderate weight loss not only reduce diabetes risk, but also have an impact on lowering blood pressure and cholesterol.

“The Gateway Family YMCA is proud to continue to support the residents in our local communities with seminars and programs to educate and inspire health,” said Melynda A. Mileski, EVP/COO, The Gateway Family YMCA. “The Y is the leading community-based organization dedicated to improving the nation’s health and The Gateway Family YMCA is here for our local community.”

The Gateway Family YMCA offers a community of diverse individuals who can support all people in meeting their health and well-being goals. Learn more by visiting www.tgfymca.org or contact Mike Johnson, Director of Association Initiatives at BPSM@tgfymca.org or 908-249-4809. To register for the program, visit www.tgfymca.org or The Gateway Family YMCA branches in Elizabeth, Rahway and Union.