Heart and Soul is a hypertension-prevention program helping community members reduce their blood pressure in holistic ways. Aurora Walker’s Point Community Clinic, Aurora Health Care Community Health and Aurora Health Care Faith and Health Partnerships teammates developed the program collaboratively.
The program, hosted at a local community faith site, provides participants with monitoring devices to help them track their blood pressure at home. Program participants also attend monthly sessions that include blood pressure screenings and education on a wide array of topics, such as how spiritual practices can help your heart health and how eating a nutritious diet and managing medications can keep you healthy.
Heart and Soul has transformed the lives of participants by giving them tools to manage their blood pressure and live healthier lives.
During the pilot program, one participant lost 50 pounds and lowered her blood pressure. Another participant learned the importance of reducing her work schedule and prioritizing time for rest and rejuvenation.