Health News
Nearly half of adults in the United States have hypertension. This would equivalate to 116 million people with high blood pressure in the U.S. Only about 1 in 4 adults (24%) with hypertension have their condition under control according to the Centers for Disease Control. Having hypertension increases the risk for heart disease and stroke, which are leading causes of death in the United States.
The Hypertension Awareness and Prevention Program (HAPp) is an independent self-monitored blood pressure pilot program that K-State Research & Extension (KSRE) is introducing in 2023. It is inspired by the American Heart Association’s Check, Change, Control Program and the CDC’s Healthy Heart Ambassador Program. KSRE is partnering with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), Kansas Business Group on Health, and Healthy Hearts to bring this program to local communities around Kansas.
Harvey County Extension is one of ten counties in Kansas that is piloting this 4-month program which begins in March and will end in June. Trained coaches will support registered participants in self-monitoring and understanding their blood pressure reading, as well as provide participants with:
A FREE blood pressure monitor
Office hour visits twice a month for blood pressure check-ins
Monthly on-site nutrition education workshops featuring healthy recipes and taste-testing
Connecting the community with Extension programs that expand health
The goals of the HAPp project are for participating adults to learn how to lower and manage their blood pressure, make connections between lifestyle/behavior and their blood pressure readings, and become advocates for their own health.
Adults age 18 and older may qualify to participate in this program if they also meet the following criteria:
Have a diagnosis of hypertension or have an antihypertensive medication prescription
Have interest in and readiness for the program
No significant cardiac event in the last 6 months
No atrial fibrillation or other arrhythmias
No lymphedema
Those who are interested in participating in this free program may register online by March 1st at the link https://bit.ly/3QnxWcR or call Jennifer Zuercher RD/LD, Nutrition, Food Safety, and Health Agent at the Harvey County Extension with questions at 316-284-6930. Space is limited to 15 participants.
