Center for Healthy Living continuing focus on hypertension management

The Center for Healthy Living continues its focus on managing hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, with an upcoming five-week program.

"Heart disease -- as well as its effects and treatment plans -- are widespread and vastly different between groups," says Jodi Briggs, certified health and wellness coach at the center. "It is important to know the risk factors associated with the disease and how it can be prevented through lifestyle choices and regular wellness screenings. As part of the center's emphasis on heart health, we will now offer a workshop series regularly on Tuesdays centered on hypertension and cholesterol in what we call the Heart-to-Heart series."

The first of these two workshops will focus on hypertension and will feature a presentation by an Employee Assistance Program counselor on stress-relief techniques in an effort to control blood pressure. In addition, the center's registered dietitian and certified health and wellness coach, Ellen Welch, will demonstrate how to build a flavorful, healthy snack low in sodium.

This comprehensive education and self-management program will take place in the center's conference room and is tailored to assist individuals with high blood pressure to learn more about the condition in order to stay healthy and prevent complications.

To participate in the program, participants must have a diagnosis of hypertension as identified by a Center for Healthy Living provider or through self-referral with approved documentation from a community provider.

The course is offered from noon to 12:50 p.m. on Tuesdays beginning May 17 and runs through June 21; no class will be held the week of Memorial Day.

 Register by May 11 by calling 49-45505. Limited seats are available for this small group format.

The center is open 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday. Lab hours are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. For medical consultation after hours or on weekends, contact the Anthem NurseLine at 888-279-5449 for assistance.