BATESVILLE, IN — February is American Heart Month, and with recently published research indicating blood pressure control has worsened in both men and women since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Southeastern Indiana YMCA (SIYMCA) urges residents to make their health a priority by getting a blood pressure screening.
Blood pressure guidelines from American Heart Association (AHA) indicate that nearly half of all Americans (46 percent) have high blood pressure. High blood pressure is often referred to as “The Silent Killer” because there are typically no warning signs or symptoms.
While high blood pressure and heart disease are serious conditions, the good news is a healthy heart is an achievable goal through lifestyle changes such as lowering sodium intake, eating healthier, and getting more physical activity.
Getting help can be as easy as contacting the Y and taking part in personal training or any number of a wide variety of group exercise programs that serve every fitness level from beginner to advanced. If you are cardiac rehab graduate, try the “Healthy Heart” class, a low-impact cardio and strength training class using low weight dumbbells and bodyweight resistance exercises.
In addition to monitoring your blood pressure, reducing sodium intake is a great way to keep your heart healthy.
According to the AHA, too much sodium in your system puts an extra burden on your heart and blood vessels. In some people, this may lead to or raise high blood pressure.
Everyone, including kids, should reduce their sodium intake to less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium a day (about 1 teaspoon of salt). Having less sodium in your diet may help you lower or avoid high blood pressure.
“While there are many ways to keep your heart healthy, increasing physical activity is one impactful way to prevent heart disease,” said Jordan Edwards, SIYMCA Wellness Director. “No matter what your heart health goal is this year, the Y has a variety of resources to help you get started and achieve them.”
Learn more by logging on to siymca.org or visiting the Y.
(Southeastern Indiana YMCA press release)
