The Olympic Peninsula YMCA has launched a Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program at the YMCA of Sequim and YMCA of Port Angeles.
This program, which began Tuesday in honor of American Heart Month, is free for YMCA members and $80 for non-members.
Participants will develop the habit of monitoring their blood pressure twice a month over the course of four months, YMCA representatives said. They will work with YMCA-certified Healthy Heart Ambassadors who each have undergone 10-hour training required to lead this program.
“We are excited to bring awareness to this potentially life-saving aspect of health and wellness,” said Tracey Durso, YMCA of Sequim wellness coordinator.
The Y is also facilitating an “Invest in Your Heart” Wellness Challenge at both the Sequim and Port Angeles branches. Members are encouraged to take their blood pressure at least three times this month; those who participate will be eligible to win a prize.
Nearly half of adults in the U.S. have high blood pressure. That puts them at risk for stroke and heart disease, two of the leading causes of death in the U.S., YMCA representatives said.
Those interested in participating in the YMCA’s Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring program are urged to call the YMCA of Sequim at 360-477-4381, ext. 333, or the YMCA of Port Angeles at 360-452-9244, ext. 133.
For more information, visit www.olympicpeninsulaymca.org/bpsm.
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Terry Ward, publisher of the Peninsula Daily News, Sequim Gazette and Forks Forum, serves on the Olympic Peninsula YMCA board of directors.
