Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a condition in which the force of the blood against the artery walls is consistently too high. Over time, this extra pressure can damage blood vessels and vital organs such as the heart, brain, and kidneys.
Preventing hypertension is important because it reduces the risk of serious health problems like heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and vision loss, helping you maintain better overall health and quality of life.
IU provides hypertension management tools including blood pressure monitoring and expert support for employees at no cost.
Controlling high blood pressure can help prevent other health problems. The American Heart Association provides a chart of blood pressure categories by range. Your doctor can confirm a high blood pressure diagnosis (or if your blood pressure is too low). Learn more at https://www.heart.org/bplevels.
There are several lifestyle changes that can help lower high blood pressure. These include:
If you have questions about food or nutrition, Healthy IU’s registered dietitian has the answers!
What you’ll get:
One-on-one sessions tailored to your goals.
Nutrition education and support on any topic of interest, including weight loss, heart-healthy eating, digestive health, healthy eating on a budget, and more.
Evidence-based, non-judgmental nutrition advice.
Cost/eligibility: Free for IU employees, their spouses on an IU-sponsored medical plan, and IU retirees by appointment.
Availability: Offered year-round, excluding June & July.
The Marathon Health employee health centers offer one-on-one sessions with a health coach focused on nutrition, physical activity, weight loss, tobacco cessation, stress management, and more.
If you use Marathon Health for your primary care and labs, your health coach, provider, and care team can collaborate directly, offering a whole-person approach to your physical, mental, and lifestyle health.
Cost/eligibility: Free for IU faculty, staff, and family members enrolled in IU-sponsored health insurance.
Availability: Virtual appointments available across the country. In-person appointments available at select locations, including Bloomington and Indianapolis.
