LAURINBURG — Scotland Health Care System is offering a free high blood pressure management program for senior adults created by the Community and Clinical Connections for Prevention and Health Branch of the North Carolina Division of Public Health.

Know It, Control It for Seniors begins on Thursday.

The class is a community-based blood pressure management program designed to help participants self-monitor their blood pressure and make healthy lifestyle changes to control high blood pressure. Trained blood pressure coaches teach this program using evidence-based strategies to manage cardiovascular disease.

Know It, Control It for Seniors is a community-based blood pressure management program designed to help participants self-monitor their blood pressure and make healthy lifestyle changes to control high blood pressure. Trained blood pressure coaches teach this program using evidence-based strategies to manage cardiovascular disease.

“High blood pressure is the leading cause of heart disease, stroke and kidney disease in the United States,” said Bines Community Educator of Scotland Health Care System. “Knowing your blood pressure numbers can help you take action NOW to prevent or delay the development of more serious complications.”

Almost one out of every three adults in the United States has been diagnosed with high blood pressure. Among adults 65 years and older, two out of three have high blood pressure and half of them do not have it under control. “All adults should consult with a health care provider, learn their blood pressure numbers, learn to self-monitor their blood pressure and take steps to get healthy,” said Bines.

Know It, Control It for Seniors classes are open to people who have been diagnosed with high blood pressure. During each class, blood pressure coaches will lead a discussion on a healthy habit that will help participants control their blood pressure. On class days, the blood pressure coach will also assist each participant with measuring and logging his/her blood pressure with the goal of having them become proficient at tracking and measuring their blood pressure on their own.

Sessions will be held in the W.R. Dulin Center on the campus of Scotland Memorial Hospital in the Community Health & Rehab building.

Dates are Aug. 24 and Aug. 31; Sept. 7 and Sept. 20; Oct. 5 and Oct. 18; and Nov. 14 and Nov. 21. The classes run from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

For information about the Know It, Control It for Seniors High Blood Pressure Management program by contacting Community Health Services at 910-291-6933.

Staff report