When you set goals that serve others as well as yourself, you are more likely to stay motivated and follow-through. We discuss setting achievable goals in Sessions 1 and 8 of the Hypertension Management Program.
Ellie Lane, ©2020, Clemson Extension
January is a time for taking charge of goals and setting new intentions for the coming year. Most have a health-related goal somewhere on their list but struggle to follow through without proper education and accountability. This year, you can make reaching blood pressure related health goals easy by joining Clemson Cooperative Extension’s program for people with hypertension (consistently high blood pressure). The program provides you with the information, support, and skills you need to better manage and lower your high blood pressure.
Why Should You Set A Goal Of Lowering And Better Managing Your High Blood Pressure?
High blood pressure is a serious chronic disease in which self-management plays a key role. You can take charge of your health and make small changes in your lifestyle to influence your high blood pressure positively.
Do You Know Why Every Visit To The Doctor Involves A Blood Pressure Check?
Your blood pressure reveals a great deal about your current health and risk of developing medical problems in the future. Hypertension is directly related to cardiovascular disease, which can refer to several conditions, including stroke, heart attack, heart disease, heart failure, arrhythmia, and heart valve problems. Managing high blood pressure and keeping numbers low can help prevent the development of these conditions.
What Counts As High Blood Pressure?
Upon program completion, participants receive a free, high-quality blood pressure monitor (valued at $80) to stay on track with their high blood pressure management.
Ellie Lane, ©2020, Clemson Extension
If your blood pressure is consistently higher than 120/80 mmHg, it means your heart is working harder to push blood throughout the body. At this stage, your doctor may recommend trying lifestyle changes to help lower your numbers. These lifestyle changes could include losing weight, being more physically active, or eating less processed foods.
The Hypertension Management Program is an evidence-based program designed to give you the knowledge and support you need to start incorporating these healthy lifestyle changes. To learn more about the program and register for an upcoming class, follow the links below.
Mondays from 10:00 – 11:00 AM, beginning January 11th, 2021: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/online-hypertension-management-program-tickets-128722204579
Thursdays from 5:00 – 6:00 PM, beginning January 14th, 2021: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/online-hypertension-management-program-tickets-132141904995
Please contact Health Extension Agent Ellie Lane at jelane@clemson.edu or 843-731-5115 with any questions! For more information on Hypertension, please visit https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/hypertension/.
Sources:
- American Heart Association. (2017, May 31). What is Cardiovascular Disease? Retrieved December 29, 2020, from https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/consumer-healthcare/what-is-cardiovascular-disease
- Cleveland Clinic. (2020, September 10). Why Chronic High Blood Pressure Is So Dangerous. Retrieved December 29, 2020, from https://health.clevelandclinic.org/why-chronic-high-blood-pressure-is-so-dangerous/
