FEBRUARY 2020
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YMCA partnership helps adults control their blood pressure and improve heart health
The State of Alaska Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention program created a partnership with the Anchorage program of the YMCA of Alaska to support the YMCA’s effective Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program and improve heart health.
One out of 3 adults nationwide has high blood pressure, but only half of them have it under control. High blood pressure has been called “the silent killer” because it can have no symptoms, but still lead to serious, even deadly health consequences if left undetected or ignored.
Heart disease and stroke cause about one-third of all deaths in Alaska. They are also costly. In 2016, Alaska Medicaid recipients with heart disease alone or in combination with other chronic diseases (9,527 people) needed more than $300 million in health care paid by Medicaid, with an average per-person cost of more than $34,000.
Reducing the risks and the costs
The YMCA’s new Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program can reduce health care costs. It empowers Alaskans to routinely check their blood pressure at home. Frequently and regularly checking and recording blood pressure over a period of four months has been shown to lower blood pressure in many people with high blood pressure. As of March 2019, the YMCA’s national reporting of participant success demonstrated an average change of lowering 10 points of blood pressure by the end of the four-month program.
- Of the more than 6,000 participants who were enrolled nationwide, more than 50% began the program with uncontrolled blood pressure.
- Of those 50%, 4 out of 10 participants were able to control their blood pressure by the end of the program.
The Anchorage YMCA program has generated enthusiasm and success for participants in its first session this fall. One woman and her husband joined the program from August through December 2019. Her husband noticed a slight drop in blood pressure, while her blood pressure fell into the normal level, which is under 120/80. As a result, her physician reduced her blood pressure medication.
“This program has been extremely beneficial to us both as we continue to take our blood pressure even now,” she said.
Another participant said the YMCA program gave her support and hope.
“It’s difficult to feel confident about making changes with no support network and I promise within this program, you will find people who want to see you improve in all areas. I consider myself incredibly blessed to have found this program, and on the larger scale, hope for my future,” she said.
Empowering Alaskans to take control
The YMCA Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program is led by a trained Healthy Heart Ambassador over four months. The program promotes regular blood pressure monitoring at home, using proper techniques with a provided blood pressure cuff. Each month, participants attend two personalized consultations and nutrition education seminars, learning tips for maintaining heart health.
The program goals include:
- A reduction in blood pressure
- Better blood pressure management
- Increased awareness of triggers that elevate blood pressure
- Enhanced knowledge to develop healthier eating habits
The YMCA program is open to all Alaska residents. There are a few health requirements to participate, but you do not have to be a YMCA member. To see if you qualify or to refer patients to the program, contact Erin Widener, YMCA of Alaska Healthy Community Coordinator, at (907) 563-3211, extension 104, or email erin@ymcaalaska.org.
The State Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention program staff can provide assistance and support to Alaska’s health care and community-based organizations interested in starting this self-monitoring blood pressure program in their communities. For more information, contact Valerie Gosselin, the Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Program Manager/Nurse Consultant, at valerie.gosselin@alaska.gov or (907) 465-8670.
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