Heart Disease Can Be Prevented and Reversed
Heart Disease Reversal
Dean Ornish, M.D. and his colleagues, in collaboration with the UC San Francisco and other leading academic institutions, has over 37 years of scientific evidence that shows that changes in diet and lifestyle can make a powerful difference in heart function and overall well-being. Studies in more than 25 peer reviewed journals have shown that this program not just prevents but actually reverses heart disease. At Tanner Care, we have a multi-pronged approach that benefits from many of the insights of Dr. Ornish, Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn, Jr., and others.
Most program participants will need to embrace a lifestyle change for the information in this program to be of any benefit. Much of the program focuses on helping build systems and habits that support a new way of living, eating, dealing with stress and enjoying supportive relationships with our loved ones and friends.
The Program
Lifestyle Change: 8 weeks, 2x/week, 2.5 hours/session 16 sessions
Maintenance: 10 months, 1x/month, 2.5 hours/session 10 sessions
The goal is to move toward a "heart-attack proof" level of cholesterol (total cholesterol below 150, LDL below 80). This can be done and maintained without statin medications via lifestyle change only.
Nutrition
While you feast on a tasty and filling whole food, plant-based, low fat buffet meal, you will learn about how the food you are enjoying is helping your heart and circulatory system to heal. You will learn how to make sustainable changes in your lifestyle through supportive systems and the removal of obstacles and pitfalls.
Yoga and Exercise
You will hear from a physical therapist about exercises and simple habits you can build into your daily routine, and a licensed yoga instructor will equip you to use breathing exercises, movement and quiet to deal with the stress of your life in healthy ways, further nurturing a move away from unhealthy patterns.
Small Group Support
Every week you will be led into discussions with a small group of people who are sharing the experience with you. The therapist who will lead your sessions will help you celebrate what is working and explore where the difficulties lie, and give you a chance to learn from and support one another.
