ABOVE PHOTO: Naturi Naughton (Photo: Ron Adar / Shutterstock)
By Afea Tucker
Hollywood actress and singer Naturi Naughton is leading a new movement to encourage people to check their blood pressure at home.
The New Jersey native collaborated with the American Heart Association to create a fun and easy social media dance routine aimed to teach people how to check their blood pressure.
“I love to dance. I’ve always been passionate about dance — different dance routines.” Naughton said. “From “Get Into Formation,” to Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies,”I just love to get together with people in dance. That’s why the “Get Down With Your Blood Pressure Campaign” just made me excited to join the movement.”
Naughton’s dance routine includes four simple steps — get it, slip it, cuff it, check it. Showcasing how to self- check and monitor blood pressure levels.
According to news-medical.net, physical activity or exercise can markedly decrease the risk of chronic diseases, including high blood pressure.
“I would rather dance as exercise as opposed to like a formal way of exercising,” Naughton said. “There’s ways you can move your body and get into it. And you’re not even thinking that you’re exercising, but little do you know, those are ways you can lower your blood pressure.”
In addition to Naughton’s love and passion for dance, this campaign and collaboration with the American Heart Association is personal and close to her heart.
“For me, it was personal, close to my heart, because my dad suffers from high blood pressure,” she said. “And I’ve seen him go through a lot of health issues, just to be strong again and get back. He’s a soldier. He’s strong.”
“So, he’s doing well, but I knew it’s no joke when I saw what he went through,” Naughton continued. “So, a lot of this campaign and the dancing it’s not just about, you know, this movement, it’s about how can I tell my father, help a friend, or help our communities, particularly Black and brown communities? So, for me, this is something that rings true.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) , the overall prevalence of high blood pressure is 54% among non-Hispanic Black adults, compared with 46% in non-Hispanic white adults, 39% in non-Hispanic Asian adults, and 36% in Hispanic adults.
Naughton ultimately hopes that her involvement will spark more conversations and awareness around this chronic health issue.
“I hope that people take a minute to take care of themselves,” said Naughton.
Fans can view and participate in the “Get Down With Your Blood Pressure” movement by checking out Naughton’s moves on Instagram @naturi4real and visiting: heart.org/hbpcontrol.
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