American Heart Month

February is American Heart Month, and as a leading community-based organization committed to improving the nation’s health, the YMCA of Greater Erie urges everyone to get a blood pressure screening. Revised blood pressure guidelines from American Heart Association mean 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 that 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 taking part in the Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program or other chronic disease prevention programs offered by the Y. You may also be interested in educational articles in the Y’s blog.

Research shows that the simple process of checking and recording your blood pressure at least twice a month over a four-month period, along with regular physical activity, proper nutrition and reducing sodium intake, may lower blood pressure in people with high blood pressure.

American Heart Month Events and Activities:

Walking for Wellness Walking Challenge – With a small, achievable goal of 3,500 steps every day, we hope to smoothly and easily integrate an aspect of fitness into your day-to-day. Enroll via our YMCA Mobile App available for free download in Google Play and Apple Stores. Search YMCA Universal.

Heart Month Daily Wellness Activities – Post this friendly downloadable calendar in a highly visible place.

Blood Pressure Self Monitoring Class – Rolling enrollment – This 4-month, evidence-based program helps adults with hypertension lower and manage their blood pressure. Open to the public.

Blood Pressure Screening, Feb. 2, 2022, 8:30-11:30 a.m. @ our Eastside location, 2101 Nagle Road. Free and open to the public.

National Wear Red Day – Feb. 4, 2022 – Join women around the country for National Wear Red Day to raise awareness of heart disease in women.

Blood Drive – Feb. 4, 2022, 8 a.m. -1 p.m. @ our Eastside location, 2101 Nagle Road

Valentine’s for Veterans – Feb. 8, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. @ our Eastside location, 2101 Nagle Road to make or sign a Valentine for Veterans

Blood Pressure Screening, Feb. 9, 8:30-11:30 a.m. @ our Glenwood location, 3727 Cherry Street. Free and open to the public.

Blood Pressure Screening, Feb. 16, 8:30-11:30 a.m. @ our Downtown location, 31 West 10th Street. Free and open to the public.

Tobacco Cessation/QUIT Class, begins Feb. 16, 5:30 p.m. @ our Downtown location, 31 West 10th Street. Free 6-week class provides tobacco cessation education, peer support and free nicotine replacement therapies. Funded by the Erie County Department of Health. Registration required. Free and open to the public.

Blood Pressure Screening, Feb. 23, 8:30-11:30 a.m. @ our County location, 12285 YMCA Drive, Edinboro. Free and open to the public.

Health Speaker Series, Feb. 23, 10 a.m. @ our Eastside location, 2101 Nagle Road, Gina Kloft, Division Director, American Heart Association. Free and open to the public.