CHATHAM COUNTY — High blood pressure, also called hypertension, can greatly increase risk for heart disease, heart attack and stroke. Making certain lifestyle changes can help lower blood pressure and lead to a healthier lifestyle. 

The Coastal Health District Chronic Disease Prevention Program will host a free, virtual five-part Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) series in August to help residents who are hypertensive, pre-hypertensive, or at higher risk of becoming hypertensive learn how to adopt healthier habits.

The DASH series will begin Aug. 1 and continue Aug. 8, 15, 22 and 29. Each session will be held twice a day — at 1 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

“The great thing about this program is that it doesn’t require fancy foods or menus,” said Coastal Health District Chronic Disease Prevention Director Cristina Gibson. “The DASH plan gives you the tools to make gradual changes that will result in positive long-term changes to your health.”

DASH was developed by National Heart, Lung  and Blood Institute as a flexible and balanced eating plan to create a heart-healthy eating style. 

For more information on DASH and the upcoming sessions — including a registration link — visit https://coastalhealthdistrict.org/dash