Controlling Your Blood Pressure (Harvard Lunch & Learn)

Course Overview

This interactive session delves into the causes and solutions for hypertension, combining Harvard expertise with practical tools, videos, and quizzes. Participants will learn to manage blood pressure effectively and reduce their risk of heart-related health issues.

Conveniently offered in a mid-day, 60-minute session, this ACHD class includes a heart-healthy lunch.

Call (573) 581-1332 to register.

Why Controlling Your Blood Pressure Matters

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is often called the "silent killer" because it rarely presents symptoms until significant damage has occurred. Despite this, nearly half of all American adults have hypertension, making it one of the most pressing public health concerns today.

Left unmanaged, high blood pressure significantly increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease, and other life-altering conditions. Hypertension doesn’t just strain the heart and blood vessels—it affects overall well-being, energy levels, and quality of life.

At the Audrain County Health Department’s Health and Wellness Academy, we recognize the importance of addressing this critical health issue. Through the Controlling Your Blood Pressure Lunch and Learn session, we provide participants with evidence-based strategies and actionable steps to improve cardiovascular health and lead a more vibrant, independent life.

The Impact of High Blood Pressure

Hypertension develops when the force of blood against the artery walls is consistently too high. Over time, this increased pressure damages blood vessels, causing them to harden and narrow. This can lead to severe complications such as:

Heart Disease: Hypertension forces the heart to work harder, increasing the risk of heart attack, heart failure, and arrhythmias.
Stroke: High blood pressure is a leading cause of strokes due to weakened or blocked arteries in the brain.
Kidney Damage: The kidneys rely on healthy blood flow. Prolonged high blood pressure can lead to kidney failure.
Cognitive Decline: Hypertension can damage blood vessels in the brain, contributing to memory loss and an increased risk of dementia.

Several factors contribute to high blood pressure, including poor dietary choices, lack of exercise, chronic stress, and genetic predisposition. Understanding these risk factors—and taking steps to mitigate them—is key to reducing blood pressure and protecting long-term health.

Why This Course is Important

The Controlling Your Blood Pressure Lunch and Learn session equips participants with tools and knowledge to address hypertension proactively. The course goes beyond general advice, offering tailored strategies that can be implemented immediately.

At ACHD, our focus on Client-First Care ensures that each participant receives personalized insights and support to navigate their unique health journey. Through this course, individuals gain the confidence to take control of their blood pressure and make sustainable changes for a healthier future.

What You’ll Learn

Participants will:

Understanding Hypertension: Learn about the causes, risks, and long-term effects of high blood pressure.
Lifestyle Changes: Explore heart-healthy habits such as improved diet, regular exercise, and better sleep patterns.
Stress Management: Discover techniques to reduce stress and its impact on cardiovascular health.
Medications and Treatments: Understand available medication options, their benefits, and how to use them safely when lifestyle changes alone are insufficient.

Breaking the Cycle of Poor Heart Health

Unmanaged hypertension often creates a cycle of escalating health issues. As blood pressure rises, the heart and blood vessels endure greater strain, leading to further complications. This session focuses on breaking that cycle by addressing hypertension at its root causes.

Participants learn how small, consistent lifestyle changes can significantly reduce blood pressure levels. These adjustments not only improve heart health but also enhance overall energy and quality of life.

The Role of Lifestyle Changes

Adopting healthier habits is one of the most effective ways to manage hypertension. This course emphasizes:

Heart-Healthy Diets: Incorporate nutrient-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while reducing sodium and processed foods.
Regular Physical Activity: Engage in moderate exercises such as walking, swimming, or yoga to strengthen the cardiovascular system.
Improved Sleep Patterns: Learn how better rest supports blood pressure regulation and overall health.
Stress Reduction Techniques: Practice mindfulness, breathing exercises, and effective time management to lower chronic stress levels.

By focusing on these areas, participants can take meaningful steps toward controlling their blood pressure and achieving long-term wellness.

Empowering Participants Through Knowledge

At the core of this course is a commitment to education. Participants receive clear, actionable guidance on managing hypertension, demystifying complex medical concepts in a way that’s easy to understand and implement.

Through interactive tools, group discussions, and expert instruction, participants leave the session equipped with the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions about their health.

Why Managing Your Blood Pressure Matters

Managing high blood pressure isn’t just about numbers on a chart—it’s about protecting your heart, preserving your quality of life, and reducing the risk of life-threatening complications. This session reflects ACHD’s mission of Client-First Care, ensuring that every participant has the resources and support to succeed.

Addressing hypertension is also about community health. When individuals take control of their cardiovascular wellness, they contribute to a stronger, healthier Audrain County. Together, we can reduce the burden of heart disease and create a brighter future for everyone.

Join Us

Take charge of your heart health by enrolling in the Controlling Your Blood Pressure Lunch and Learn session. This interactive program provides the tools, insights, and support you need to make lasting changes for a healthier life.

Together, we can create a healthier, more vibrant Audrain County—with you at the heart of our care.