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Stephan and Melissa Land a New Apartment!

We are so excited to read these details from the Denver-Colorado Springs Team! Read ahead to learn more about Stephan and his girlfriend, Melissa. The two recently resettled into a new place, and the couple continue to do well in a new setting!

The following write-up was produced by Kayla-

I would like to take some time to recognize two wonderful people in services who have grown and learned so much over the past year. I met Stephan and Melissa at a home visit to their apartment here in Colorado Springs. They are the nicest and sweetest couple. Melissa and Stephan both expressed over the next few months that they would really like to strive for a better neighborhood and more of a community feel and would not like to continue to resign a lease.

As the end of their lease came closer, they started looking for their perfect apartment. I was impressed on how they really wanted to ensure their fur baby “Hank” had a park, and that there was a sense of community. They have solidified an amazing new apartment, with all the upgrades they dreamed of!

Since moving into their apartment they have really wanted to have things that are theirs. Like a lot of young couples, you get hand-me-downs, things that are less than perfect or even just something to get them by. With support from our residential services and their amazing understanding of budgets, expenses, and life in general, they finally have things they can call their own. Stephan and Melissa have done a stellar job of prioritizing needs vs wants and being able to effectively communicate certain wants that were important to them. They are also taking some time to find out what their passions are and would like to start classes at a local college.

The maturity and growth demonstrated in the past almost year since meeting them has been a true joy. I am so happy to see them both thriving and building a space of their own and can’t wait to see what the next year has in store for them!

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February is American Heart Month

Heart health is important every month of the year; however, this month is a time to  focus on cardiovascular health. The Division for Heart Disease and Stroke prevention is shining a light on hypertension (high blood pressure), a leading risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Nearly 1 in 2 adults has hypertension. Hypertension can lead to heart disease and stroke the leading cause of death in the United States. Fortunately, high blood pressure is treatable and preventable. To lower your risk, get your blood pressure checked regularly and take action to control you blood pressure if it is high.

5 Surprising Facts About High Blood Pressure

  1. High blood pressure may be linked to dementia.

Recent studies show that high blood pressure is linked to a higher risk for dementia, a loss of cognitive function. Timing seems to matter. Evidence suggests that having uncontrolled high blood pressure during midlife (ages 44 to 66) creates a higher risk for dementia later in life.

  1. Young people can have high blood pressure, too.

High blood pressure doesn’t just happen to older adults. Nearly 1 in 4 adults aged 20 to 44 have high blood pressure.

High blood pressure is a leading cause of stroke, a condition that is on the rise among younger people. Experts think the increased risk for stroke in this age group is a direct result of the rising rates of obesity, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes—conditions that are preventable and treatable.

Ask your health care team how often you should check your blood pressure. You can get your blood pressure checked at a doctor’s office or pharmacy, and you can check it at home if you have a home blood pressure monitor.

  1. High blood pressure usually doesn’t have any symptoms.

High blood pressure is sometimes called the “silent killer.” Most people with high blood pressure don’t have any symptoms. Because many people feel fine, they don’t think they need to get their blood pressure checked.

Even if you feel normal, your health may be at risk. Talk to your doctor about your risk for high blood pressure.

  1. Many people who have high blood pressure don’t know it.

About 1 in 3 U.S. adults with high blood pressure aren’t even aware they have it and are not being treated to control their blood pressure.

Even though most people with uncontrolled high blood pressure have health insurance and visit a health care team member at least twice a year, the condition is often not diagnosed. CDC is working with health care professionals to find patients with high blood pressure who are “hiding in plain sight.”

Ask your health care team what your blood pressure numbers mean and if they are too high. Stick to your treatment plan and follow your provider’s advice if you are diagnosed with high blood pressure.

  1. Women and African Americans face unique risks when it comes to high blood pressure.

Women with high blood pressure who become pregnant are more likely to have complications during pregnancy than those with normal blood pressure. High blood pressure during pregnancy can harm a mother’s kidneys and other organs, and it can lead to premature delivery and low birth weight babies.

Some types of birth control can also raise a woman’s risk for high blood pressure. Women with high blood pressure who want to become pregnant should work with their health care team to lower their blood pressure before becoming pregnant.

African American men and women have higher rates of high blood pressure than any other racial or ethnic group. These individuals are also more likely to be hospitalized for high blood pressure. Experts think these health disparities are tied to higher rates of obesity and diabetes.

Lifestyle changes, such as reducing sodium in your diet, being more physically active, and reducing stress, can help lower blood pressure.

What Can You Do to Reduce Your Risk of Hypertension? What is a normal BP?

By living a healthy lifestyle, you can help keep your blood pressure in a healthy range and lower your risk for heart disease and stroke. A healthy lifestyle includes:

  • Eating a healthy diet
  • Maintaining a healthy weight
  • Getting enough physical activity
  • Not smoking
  • Limiting alcohol use
Blood Pressure Categories
Blood Pressure Category Systolic Blood Pressure Diastolic Blood Pressure
  Normal <120 mmHg and <80 mmHg
  Elevated 120-129 mmHg and <80 mmHg
Hypertension
  Stage 1 130-139 mmHg or 80-89 mmHg
  Stage 2 ≥140 mmHg or ≥90 mmHg
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Support, Inc. Welcomes New Associate Director

Please join us in welcoming our newest Associate Director to the agency! Becca, we are so happy to have you!

Hi all! My name is Becca Peloquin and am excited to join the Support, Inc. team as an Associate Director of Operations. I have a B.A. Degree in Psychology and Social Welfare from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Prior to this opportunity, I was working for a Residential Treatment Facility for kids and adolescents for close to 10 years. I started working as a Direct Care staff for 3 years with clients before managing Residential Programs and transitioning into Operations. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, being active outdoors, reading, and hanging out with my dog and friends. Excited to get to work with you all!