LAS VEGAS – February is American Heart Month and an ideal opportunity to assess heart health and identify or treat risk factors for heart disease such as high blood pressure. The Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) and its partners offer free programs and classes to help people manage high blood pressure and other risk factors for heart disease.
Free blood pressure self-monitoring program
Controlling blood pressure is essential for people with high blood pressure and reduces the risk of stroke or heart disease. Offered in partnership with YMCA of Southern Nevada, the Healthy Hearts Ambassador Program offers personalized support to help people with hypertension develop a blood pressure self-monitoring routine. The program also offers nutrition education and tips on maintaining cardiovascular health. Classes are free and begin in February at the Bill and Lillie Heinrich YMCA (4141 Meadows Ln., Las Vegas 89107) and Durango YMCA (3521 N. Durango Dr., Las Vegas 89129). Places are limited and registration is ongoing. The program is available in English and Spanish. For more information, call (702) 832-4901 or email [email protected] or [email protected]
Free youth cooking class
Learning how and what to cook is the key to a healthy lifestyle. In partnership with the 100 Black Men of Las Vegas, SNHD is sponsoring a cooking class for young people ages 7-18 to learn about heart-healthy cooking. Guest Chef Jeff Henderson will host the Virtual Youth Cooking Class on February 21 from 6pm to 8pm. To register for this free class, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/virtual-youth-cooking-class-tickets-524040598537?aff=ebdsoporgprofile. Registration closes at 8 p.m. on February 18
blood pressure screening events
Free blood pressure checks performed by SNHD are available at the following locations:
- Friday February 3:
The Beauty Spot, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at the Go Red Event, 6002 Smoke Ranch Rd., Las Vegas 89108
The Beautiful Studio, 1-3 p.m. at the Go Red Event, 3950 N. Tenaya Way, # 120, Las Vegas 89129
- Friday February 10th:
Masterpiece Raiders Barbershop, 3-5 p.m., 2300 N. Rainbow., Las Vegas 89108
- Friday February 17:
Master Barbering Galo, 3-5 p.m., 8090 Blue Diamond Rd., Las Vegas 89178
- Friday February 24th:
Fade’em All Barbershop, 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., 7760 W. Sahara Ave., Las Vegas 89117
- Saturday February 25:
Blade Masters Barbershop, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., 2245 N. Decatur Blvd., Las Vegas 89108
Additionally, in partnership with the Barbershop Health Outreach Project, SNHD has installed permanent, self-administered blood pressure monitoring stations at the following businesses:
- Executive Cuts, 921 W. Owens Ave., Las Vegas 89106
- Blade Masters Hair Salon, 2245 N. Decatur Blvd., Las Vegas 89108
Customers and non-customers alike are invited to stop by and receive a free blood pressure reading and educational materials at these locations. The opening hours are Tuesday to Saturday from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.
For more information, including dates and locations of future blood pressure tests, go to www.gethealthyclarkcounty.org.