For many individuals, managing high blood pressure can feel overwhelming—especially when faced with limited time and resources from health care providers. That was Elizabeth’s experience last summer when she realized something wasn’t quite right with her health.
After a referral to a cardiologist, she was given options: a stent, medication, and additional monitoring. However, she felt that she wasn’t getting the time and attention she needed to fully understand the root of her hypertension. In the months that followed, she had three emergency room visits while waiting for a follow-up appointment.
Then, she came across a brochure for Health Coaches for Hypertension Control (HCHC).
“I felt like my doctors didn’t have enough time to work through my concerns in depth,” Elizabeth shared. “When I learned about the program, I saw an opportunity to take a more active role in my own health.”
Discovering the Power of Lifestyle Changes
HCHC is an evidence-based program that’s been proven to help improve the health of those diagnosed with high blood pressure. These nine-weekly classes, paired with blood pressure self-monitoring and goal setting, help participants manage hypertension by focusing on lifestyle changes, including topics like nutrition, physical activity, stress management and more.
For Elizabeth, one of the most surprising takeaways was realizing how much control she had over her blood pressure through lifestyle changes.
“There were 13 women and one man in the class, and it was reassuring to know I wasn’t alone in this,” she said. “I also learned that I needed more aerobic activity in my life. I was doing yoga and gardening, but I wasn’t focusing enough on cardiovascular exercise. When I bought new walking shoes and started walking regularly, my blood pressure dropped 10 points.”
Even small changes—like increasing daily movement through activities as simple as mowing the lawn—made a measurable difference in her health.
Practical Knowledge That Sticks
Beyond exercise, Elizabeth found the program’s nutrition education particularly beneficial.
“I had always been mindful of sugar and gluten, but I hadn’t paid as much attention to sodium,” she explained. “Learning how to read nutrition labels and make informed choices really helped.”
Another key takeaway? Confidence in self-monitoring. Elizabeth now takes her blood pressure every morning and records her readings, giving her a clearer picture of her progress.
Expanding a Much-Needed Community Resource
Elizabeth’s experience is just one of many success stories to come out of HCHC. The program was initially launched thanks to funding from UCHealth Northern Colorado Foundation’s Greatest Need Fund, which provided critical support to get it off the ground. Beginning with 20 participants, the program concluded with 14 dedicated graduates. With its in-person, hands-on approach, HCHC fills a critical gap in community health resources for older adults looking to make lasting behavior changes.
“We look forward to continuing the program,” Kat Laws, Community Health Educator shared. “It’s hard to find community programs that support sustained lifestyle changes for the aging population, and this one was developed in response to an identified need.”
With hypertension remaining a top priority for UCHealth, expanding programs like this is instrumental in fostering long-term health improvements. Plans are already in place to expand to Greeley and more rural parts of northern Colorado, bringing this vital education to even more individuals.
Elizabeth’s Advice to Others
For those considering participation, Elizabeth has a simple message:
“Take it—it’s worth the eight weeks.”
Her journey is a testament to the power of education, community, and personal commitment in managing hypertension. With continued support and program expansion, even more individuals will have the opportunity to take control of their health, just like Elizabeth did.
Upcoming Program Offering
The next offering of Health Coaches for Hypertension Control (HCHC) is scheduled as follows:
- Fort Collins: 10-11:30 a.m. Mondays, May 19 – July 21 (no class on Memorial Day, May 26)
- Cost: Free, thanks to grant funding
- Registration required: Please call the Aspen Club recorded registration line at 970.495.8565
All future HCHC offerings will be listed in the Aspen Club newsletter. Membership to the Aspen Club is free and ensures folks receive our newsletter consistently.