Back to the F.L.O.W.
Origins: The Flow of CBHC
In 2015, the Colorado Black Health Collaborative envisioned F.L.O.W (Form a Lifetime of Optimal Wellness) as a comprehensive prevention program. Since then, our longstanding focus remains to inform, educate, assess, and refer individuals and families to care for their cardiovascular/heart health.
Now years into the FLOW initiative, the team behind F.L.O.W realizes it is more than just a program. It is a philosophy embedded in the fabric of our community work.
To FLOW is to Know
This updated FLOW microsite focuses on two of the most significant drivers of health inequity in our community — high blood pressure and tobacco-nicotine use. CBHC is also introducing the emerging Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic (CKM) health framework. We feel this is important to share with our community. By bridging the gap between clinical data and community action, we aim to ensure that every resident has the opportunity to achieve their optimal wellness.
Will you join our team of Black health advocates, leaders, and community-minded physicians to encourage a new way to live heart-healthy, balanced lives?
Engage with the FLOWThe Heart of the Matter
What is Cardiovascular Health?
Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) involves any condition affecting the heart or blood vessels. Good cardiovascular health begins with learning about the factors that put you at risk for developing a preventable heart disease and doing something about the risks you can modify.
The two biggest culprits are high blood pressure or hypertension (HTN) and tobacco-nicotine smoking. High Blood Pressure (The Silent Killer) affects nearly 60% of Black adults. It often has no symptoms but causes permanent damage to your heart and brain. Smoking doubles your risk of stroke and is a primary driver of heart attacks. Breaking the cycle is one of the most powerful things you can do for your health.
In the Black community, these conditions often appear earlier and with greater severity. Understanding the “Silent Killer” and its accomplices is the first step toward a longer, healthier life.
Other Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease
Here are some of the conditions that can put you at risk for cardiovascular disease.
BBSHOP Blood Pressure Categories
Volunteers are Priceless!
Volunteers are the backbone of the Colorado Black Health Collaborative FLOW movement, BBSHOP, and the Stop Shop smoking cessation program. We need you helping us impact the Black Community in a culturally responsive way.
Our volunteers have been youth, college or professional school students, community residents, and various company employees.
The volunteer opportunities are diverse and volunteer time is flexible. We encourage you to find something that will suit your passion. We have various projects, including technology, creatives, event volunteers, barbershop/salon screening volunteers, and more.
