YMCA unveils new blood pressure program for American Heart Month

By Sequim Gazette Staff • February 9, 2022 1:30 am
Photo courtesy of YMCA of Sequim Nick Durso takes his blood pressure using a wrist blood pressure monitoring cuff at the YMCA of Sequim.
Photo courtesy of YMCA of Sequim Nick Durso takes his blood pressure using a wrist blood pressure monitoring cuff at the YMCA of Sequim.

On Feb. 1, the Olympic Peninsula YMCA launched its Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program at the YMCA of Sequim and YMCA of Port Angeles.

This program 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 have undergone a 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 encouraging members to take their blood pressure, at least three times in the month of February; members who participate will be eligible to win a prize.

Nearly half of adults in the U.S. have high blood pressure which puts them at risk for stroke and heart disease, two of the leading causes of death in the U.S., YMCA representatives note.

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, x333, or the YMCA of Port Angeles at 360-452-9244, x133.

For more information, visit olympicpeninsula ymca.org/bpsm.