Blood Pressure Support
Take Action To Improve Heart Health
Blood Pressure Support is included as part of your membership and is a FREE program for members.
One in three American adults has high blood pressure, which puts them at risk for stroke and heart disease, two of the leading causes of death in the U.S. In addition, high blood pressure is closely tied to the health of your kidneys.
Healthy kidneys play a vital role in regulating blood pressure by filtering waste and excess fluid from the blood and controlling the balance of salt and water. When blood pressure is consistently high, it can damage the delicate blood vessels in the kidneys.
If the kidneys are damaged, they may not be able to effectively remove excess fluid and sodium from the body, leading to an increase in blood volume and, consequently, higher blood pressure.
The YMCA’s Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring program offers personalized support as participants develop the habit of monitoring their blood pressure. Research shows that the process of recording blood pressure at least twice a month over a period of four months can lower blood pressure in many people with high blood pressure.
Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring is one part of the Y’s suite of evidence-based chronic disease prevention programs. Since 2005, the Y has worked to become a leading provider of chronic disease prevention programs to communities across the U.S.
Participants will:
- Take and record their blood pressure at least two times per month.
- Attend two consultations a month with a Healthy Heart Ambassador.
- Attend monthly nutrition education seminars.
To find out more about the Blood Pressure Self-Management Program, complete the form below.
Blood Pressure Support Interest Form
For additional information, please contact Jennifer Rewkowski, VP of Wellness at JenniferR@ymcaatlanta.org.
Become a Member
The Y offers memberships that are a fit for all ages plus classes and activities to improve overall wellness - no matter your current level of fitness.
Virtual Support
Y members have round the clock access to virtual programs with YMCA360. Find healthy recipe tutorials and fitness videos from the comfort of home.
Everyone Belongs
At the Y, no one is turned away because of an inability to pay. Financial Assistance is available so that everyone can be part of impactful Y programs.
Parkinson’s Support
The YMCA of Metro Atlanta offers specialized programs and classes for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease and other movement-related conditions.
Parkinson’s support programs are included with YMCA membership at no additional cost.
To learn more about Parkinson’s programs and services, please complete the form below.
Parkinson’s Support Interest Form
Our class offerings include - Knockout Parkinson's Boxing (KOPD), Cycling, Movement and Balance/Stability classes. While these classes are called Parkinson’s classes, they are really for anyone with a movement related condition such as MS and stroke. In addition to these classes, all Ys have classes for older adults as well as full wellness centers.
For additional information, please contact Jennifer Rewkowski, VP of Wellness at JenniferR@ymcaatlanta.org.
PD Group Exercise
Most YMCA of Metro Atlanta locations offer Parkinson’s-specific group exercise classes – and all classes are included in your Y membership.
Virtual Support
Y members can access virtual programming online, anytime of day or night through YMCA360. Check out programs specific to Parkinson’s support.
More Resources
The Y is proud to partner with The Parkinson’s Foundation to support our members living with PD. You can find more resources at their website.
Statistics & Research
Studies show that regular physical activity helps with balance, mobility and the ability to perform daily tasks. This means that exercise can help ease Parkinson’s symptoms and may even slow the progression of the disease.
Cancer Support
At the Y, we understand how important exercise is before, during and after treatment. Once you join the Y we recommend that you begin our Coach Approach® program. This program is for new or returning exercisers and works to help strengthen the self-management skills that are required to sustain exercise over the long haul. You’ll meet with a wellness coach about 1 time/month to not only work on these skills but also your exercise plan. This program is free and included in your membership.
Statistics & Research
In addition to the physical benefits, exercise may provide many psychological and emotional benefits, such as giving you more confidence, increasing your contact with people, and boosting your ability to cope with anxiety during and after treatment. Many studies have demonstrated that physically active cancer survivors also have a lower risk of cancer recurrence and improved survival.*
For more information, about Cancer Support please complete the form below. By completing this form you are voluntarily providing your information to the YMCA, and your information will be governed by the Privacy Policy & Terms of Use.
For additional information, please contact Jennifer Rewkowski, VP of Wellness at JenniferR@ymcaatlanta.org.
Coach Approach®
The Y’s signature wellness coaching program is free for all members and can provide support specific to your needs.
Virtual Support
Y members can access virtual programming online, anytime of day or night through YMCA360. Check out programs specific to cancer support.
More Support
The American Cancer Society provides access to resources based on your location. Click below to view resources in your area.
Diabetes Prevention
The Y Diabetes Prevention Program (YDPP) is a lifestyle change program for individuals at risk for Type II Diabetes.
This year-long program is delivered virtually with a trained Lifestyle coach over a total of 26 sessions. The program focuses on tracking calories and activity, while providing nutrition education for a winning combination.
An estimated 86 million Americans ages 20 years and older have prediabetes and 89% of those individuals have no idea that they are at risk.
National Institute of Health research has shown that programs like the YDPP reduce the number of new cases of type 2 diabetes by 58% overall and 71% in people over 60.
Benefits of the Y Diabetes Prevention program include:
- A safe space where you can feel comfortable sharing and learning in private.
- Making new friends. You will support each other as you all trade old habits for healthier new ones.
- Working as a group. You don’t have to figure this out alone.
- The new energy and confidence that comes with losing weight and reducing your risk for diabetes.
Program Goals:
- Lose 5-7% body fat
- Increase physical activity to 150 min per week
Who Qualifies for YDPP?
- Participants must be 18 years old or older
- Must be prediabetic - not already have diabetes
- Must be overweight - with BMI greater than 25
- Must be diagnosed with prediabetes via one of the three blood tests or a previous diagnosis of gestational diabetes.
To find out more about the Y Diabetes Prevention Programs, complete the form below.
Diabetes Prevention Interest Form
For additional information, please contact Jennifer Rewkowski, VP of Wellness at JenniferR@ymcaatlanta.org.
Become a Member
The Y offers memberships that are a fit for all ages plus classes and activities to improve overall wellness - no matter your current level of fitness.
Virtual Programs
Y members have round the clock access to virtual programs with YMCA360. Find healthy recipe tutorials and fitness videos from the comfort of home.
Know Your Risk
Are you at risk for diabetes? Many adults have prediabetes without even knowing it. The American Diabetes Association shares tools and resources.