Center for Healthy Living to offer program on managing hypertension

The Center for Healthy Living is offering a five-week program focused on managing hypertension, also known as high blood pressure. The prevalence of hypertension (75 million adults according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) keeps hypertension as a main focal point for the center. To participate, individuals 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. 

As part of the center’s emphasis on heart health, it regularly offers a workshop series on Tuesdays centered on hypertension and cholesterol as part of its Heart to Heart series. During the five-week comprehensive and self-management program, participants will also gain knowledge needed to change blood pressure through guidance in self-care and management as well as develop a blood pressure action plan so they can partner with their health care provider to gain the most from office visits.

Led by Tia Walker, registered nurse and health coach at the Center for Healthy Living, the program will help participants understand how nutrition, physical activity, stress management and medication use (when needed) can help them keep their numbers in a healthy range.

“Through this program we want to educate, provide resources and ensure that our patients understand that high blood pressure isn’t something to take lightly,” Walker says. “High blood pressure increases the risk for many serious health issues, including heart attack and stroke, which are among the leading causes of death in America. In addition, hypertension is especially dangerous because there are usually no warning signs or symptoms. We want to assist in ways that help them stay healthy and prevent complications.”

The program will take place in Stewart Center, Room 204 (note the location changes to Stewart Center, Room 307, for the last two sessions on June 6 and June 13).

The program is offered from noon to 12:50 p.m. on Tuesdays beginning May 9 and runs through June 13. There will not be class the week of Memorial Day.

Those interested need to register by May 8 via the patient portal by following these steps:

* Log in and click the envelope icon in the top right corner of the page.

* Click the New button in the top right corner of the page.

* Click the Add Recipient button and select Wellness Program Registration, then click Select.

* Type Workshop Registration as the subject.

* Enter your name, contact information and which workshop you would like to attend in the body of the email, then click Send. 

Employees without computer access can call 765-494-5505 to register. Limited seats are available for this small group format.

The center is open for medical appointments 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 or use LiveHealth Online for a virtual appointment.