SHARE

Wilton Y Seeks Volunteers Aiming To Lower Blood Pressure

WILTON, Conn. -- The Wilton Family Y is set to launch the YMCA's Healthy Heart Initiative on Wednesday, Feb. 12. 

The Wilton Family Y is set to launch the YMCA's Healthy Heart Initiative on Feb. 12. Pictured are, from left, Y member Charlie Galardi, Fitness Director Mary Ann Genuario and Fitness Trainer Mike Martorell.

The Wilton Family Y is set to launch the YMCA's Healthy Heart Initiative on Feb. 12. Pictured are, from left, Y member Charlie Galardi, Fitness Director Mary Ann Genuario and Fitness Trainer Mike Martorell.

Photo Credit: Courtesy Wilton Family Y

The initiative is a pilot program designed to help people with hypertension lower their blood pressure through an evidence-based, self-monitoring practice. The Wilton Y is one of three YMCAs in the country selected to administer this program.

The Wilton Y is seeking 75 participants who have high blood pressure to take part in this pilot program, which includes an evidence-based process that may lower blood pressure, self-monitoring blood pressure cuff, access to a Y Healthy Heart Ambassador and tips for maintaining cardiovascular health.

“The YMCA of the USA developed this pilot program to help people reduce their risk for developing chronic diseases like hypertension," said Wilton Y Fitness Director Mary Ann Genuario. "More than 67 million Americans have high blood pressure but less than half have it under control. Research shows that the simple process of checking and recording blood pressure at least twice a month over four months can lower levels in some patients with hypertension.

“The Wilton YMCA is proud to launch the YMCA Healthy Heart Initiative to accompany our other chronic disease prevention programs, which include Diabetes Prevention, Cancer Rehabilitation and EnhanceFitness Senior Wellness.

"We are committed to improving the health and well being of individuals and communities through a pipeline of new programs and initiatives.”

As part of the YMCA Healthy Heart Initiative, participants measure their blood pressure at least two times a month for four consecutive months and a minimum of eight times. 

For more information on the program, residents are invited to a registration session from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12. To learn more about the program, contact Mary Ann Genuario magenuario@wiltonymca.org or at 762-8384 x 282.

to follow Daily Voice Wilton and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE