Learn to manage your blood pressure at no cost

submitted by National Kidney Foundation of Michigan

If you are living with high blood pressure (HBP) (hypertension), or caring for someone with high blood pressure, consider taking HBP Control, a new virtual workshop presented by the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan (NKFM). Offered at no cost to participants, the eight-week workshop over Zoom features certified leaders working with a small group in a fun, interactive program to create healthier lives. You will learn how to:

• Monitor your blood pressure
• Cope with stress
• Make healthy food choices
• Create a physical activity plan
• Manage your medications
• Use personal action plans – and more

The HBP Control workshop is a Hypertension Self-Management Program open to all residents in Michigan and caregivers are welcome. Registrants can join with a computer, a tablet or a smartphone with internet access. After you register, you will receive the Zoom link for the workshop.

HBP Control (Virtual) – for those living with hypertension and their loved ones

Workshop #1 – Tuesdays from 6 – 7:30pm

Sessions 1-8: January 24 through March 14, 2023. New participants can join through Tuesday, January 31, 2023.

Workshop #2 – Wednesdays from 1 – 2:30pm

Sessions 1-8: February 1 through March 22, 2023. New participants can join through Wednesday, February 8, 2023.

To register for either workshop, visit nkfm.org/HBPC, email PATHprograms@nkfm.org or call 800-482-1455. NKFM is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation in its programs. To request accommodation, call at least ten days in advance at 800-482-1455 or e-mail PATHPrograms@nkfm.org.

Why is the NKFM interested in helping people control their blood pressure? High blood pressure is a major cause of kidney disease, and 33 percent of Michigan adults, or one in three, are at-risk for kidney disease. If you have kidney disease, you also have a higher risk for severe COVID-19 complications. The NKFM is raising awareness about kidney disease and working hard to change these numbers. Take our one-minute Kidney Risk Quiz at http://www.minuteforyourkidneys.org/ today to find out if you are part of the 33 percent.

The mission of the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan is to prevent kidney disease and improve the quality of life for those living with it. With more than a million people in Michigan affected by kidney disease, the NKFM works to provide life-changing programs and services across the state. For the past 13 years, Charity Navigator — the nation’s leading nonprofit evaluator — has recognized the NKFM with its highest rating of 4 stars for success in sound fiscal management.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.