Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring
This program is designed to help participants with hypertension, and those at risk of cardiovascular disease, lower and manage their blood pressure and develop better nutrition habits. The 4 month program focuses on regular self-monitoring of blood pressure using proper measuring techniques, group nutrition education, healthy regular exercise, and one on one coaching with trained Healthy Heart Ambassadors.
Program Details
Staff -- qualified nutritionist or registered dietitian, exercise professionals with degrees and/or certifications in exercise science, Healthy Heart Ambassador
Monthly consultations -- A 10-15 minute session Healthy Heart Ambassador conducts a blood pressure assessment, a review of blood pressure checks documented in a participant's logbook, consulting/motivational interview techniques to help participant in trouble areas.
Bi-weekly emails -- Emails crafted and developed for participant to learn more about basis of controlling blood pressure, facts based on current research topics, and nutritional advice information. Also, reminders about monthly nutritional seminars are sent vis email.
Monthly nutrition seminars -- These revolve around 4 basic topics: heart-healthy eating; DASH diet; low sodium diet; shopping, preparing, and cooking for a heart healthy diet. It is an hour-long open discussion forum where participants are encouraged to engage and ask questions about diet and eating habits. An example recipe is served with every topic along with topic handouts and recipe notes so the dish can be prepared at home.
Nutrition consultations -- Two are included over the 4 month length of the program. The participant will be educated on individual dietary behavior tactics and address physical or mental roadblocks to overcome challenges. A metabolic assessment (caloric, macronutrient need, BMI circumference measurements, etc.) will be conducted to help participants understand their current healthy status and develop SMART goals based on this information.
Personal training sessions-- Training sessions will be developed based on individual participant needs. Exercise regimens will include aspects of cardiorespiratory, strength, agility, and functional fitness.. One session per month is included in the package.
For more information and to enroll, email Chris Milhas at HealthIntervention@MetroYMCAMS.org
BPSM Nutrition Seminar Schedule 2024
Located outside of the Flowood YMCA wellness floor, these nutrition seminars also include a cooking demonstration and a recipe to take home!
Schedule
January - April: The New Year brings new (and old) challenges. These sessions are tailored to give you tips to plan, shop, and eat in ways that will improve your heart health and help manage your blood pressure.
January 11th (10:00am) or 16th (5:45pm): New Year, New You!
-Focus Topic: Heart Healthy Eating
February 13th (5:45 PM) or 15th (10:00 am) (2nd Tuesday/Thursday)
-Focus Topic: DASH diet
March 12th (5:45 PM) or 14th (10:00 am) (2nd Tuesday/Thursday)
-Focus Topic: Shopping & Preparing Foods For A Healthy Heart
April 9th (5:45 PM) or 11th (10:00 am) (2nd Tuesday/Thursday)
-Focus Topic: Tips on Lowering Sodium Intake
May - August: Don’t let summer fun spoil your health and hard work. In these sessions we will cover topics that help you beat that summer heat and keep focused on maintaining your goals through heart healthy eating.
May 7th (5:45 PM) or 9th (10:00am) Summer Fun (1st Tuesday/Thursday)
-Focus Topic: Shopping & Preparing Foods For A Healthy Heart
June 11th (5:45 PM) or 13th (10:00 am) (2nd Tuesday/Thursday)
-Focus Topic: DASH Diet
July 9th (5:45PM) or 11th (10:00am) (2nd Tuesday/Thursday)
-Focus Topic: Heart Healthy Eating
August 6th (5:45 PM) or 8th (10:00 am) (1st Tuesday/Thursday)
-Focus Topic: Lowering Sodium Intake
September 10th (5:45 PM) or 12th (10:00 am) (2nd Tuesday/Thursday)
-Focus Topic: The DASH Diet
October 15th(5:45 PM) or 17th (10:00 am) (3rd Tuesday/Thursday)
-Focus Topic: Heart Healthy Eating
November & December: As the Holiday season hits we cover ways you can stay heart healthy during family get-togethers and best shopping practices during the holidays that keep your blood pressure in mind.
November 12th(5:45 PM) or 14th (10:00 am) Holiday Edition (2nd Tuesday/Thursday)
-Focus Topic: Shopping & Cooking Healthy for the Holidays
December 10th (5:45 PM) or 12th (10:00 am) Holiday Edition (2nd Tuesday/Thursday)
-Focus Topic: Lowering Sodium Intake
Attendance is encouraged for Blood Pressure Self Monitoring Participants, but is open to any YMCA member.
