The Norwalk Health Department is proud to be a site for the Riverbrook YMCA Blood Pressure Management Program, part of their Healthy Hearts Initiative. The evidence-based program helps people understand and control their blood pressure, with a combination of blood pressure self-monitoring, physical activity tracking, nutrition education, and personalized support.
The program will run at the Health Department every other Wednesday this summer from 1 pm to 3 pm, including Wednesday, June 29 and Wednesday, July 13. Community members are welcome to drop in during those hours to have their blood pressure screened and to learn more about the program.
“Research shows that the simple process of checking and recording your blood pressure at least twice a month over four months may lower blood pressure in people with high blood pressure,” explained Mary Ann Genuario, Health and Fitness Director at the Riverbrook YMCA.
Anyone can come down and have their blood pressure checked, but to participate in the full Blood Pressure Management Program, participants:
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must be diagnosed with high blood pressure
- Must not have experienced a recent cardiac event
- Must not have Atrial fibrillation or other arrhythmias
“The Health Department is happy to partner with the Riverbrook YMCA on this exciting program,” said Theresa Argondezzi, Health Educator at the Norwalk Health Department. “We understand how important it is to identify and control chronic conditions like high blood pressure, and we’re glad to help the Y bring this valuable program out into the community.”
Occasionally, YMCA staff will also present on various nutrition and health topics during the Wednesday sessions at the Health Department.
For more information about the blood pressure program or lectures, please contact Mary Ann Genuario, Riverbrook YMCA Health & Fitness Director, (203) 762-8384 ext. 282 or magenuario@riverbrookymca.org or Theresa Argondezzi, Norwalk Health Department, at targondezzi@norwalkct.org.