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"The [Institute] puts all of life's stress controls in one educational, hands-on program. I would rate it 100% +."Henry Bernardi
Former Patient,
Cardiac Wellness Program
CARDIAC WELLNESS
Heart disease is the number one cause of death in the U.S. for both men and women. Although genetics plays a role in the development of heart disease, lifestyle choices have been proven to significantly influence the health of your heart. The more risk factors you have, the greater your chance of having a heart attack or stroke.

Do your risk factors include:

Smoking?
High cholesterol?
High blood pressure?
Diabetes?

Are you:

Inactive?
Overweight?
Easily stressed by daily annoyances?

What is your history?

Do you have angina (pain in your chest, arms, jaw, shoulder blades, unusual fatigue, shortness of breath)?
Do you have palpitations or arrhythmias?
Have you had a heart attack?
Have you had an angioplasty/stent or open heart surgery?

If you answer "yes" to any of the above, you may currently have, or be at risk for, heart disease, and you could benefit from our cardiac wellness offerings

The Cardiac Wellness Program is a comprehensive lifestyle modification program that has documented success in reducing cardiovascular risk and improving quality of life among participants. The program serves as a major referral source for cardiac rehabilitation for the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston.

Program results are significant. Participants in the weekly Cardiac Wellness Program:

Lower cholesterol levels
Lower blood pressure
Improve blood sugar control
Lose weight
Increase exercise tolerance
Report fewer symptoms of chest pain, shortness of breath and fatigue
Report fewer symptoms of depression, anxiety, and anger

Our Cardiac Wellness Program has features that distinguish it from other cardiac rehabilitation programs.

They include:

 Weekly interaction with the Cardiac Wellness team comprised of clinical nurse specialists, dietitians and exercise specialists
"One stop shopping" that gives you in every three hour session all the tools you'll need to improve your heart health, such as

    On-site supervised exercise
    Individual nutrition counseling
    A comprehensive stress management program, including relaxation response training
Ongoing support after completion of the Cardiac Wellness Program in the form of optional maintenance sessions offered two times per month to help you maintain heart healthy changes
A manual; a copy of Mind Your Heart: A Mind/Body Approach to Stress Management, Exercise, and Nutrition for Heart Health, a book written by the Cardiac Wellness staff; and "Relaxation Exercises for Personal Health and Well-Being," a CD for home use.

 With a 13-week cardiac wellness program as well as maintenance and extended programs, we are sure to have a program that is right for you!

More Information
In Boston, Cardiac Wellness Programs are directed by Aggie Casey, MS, RN. To register, please contact Sarah Lynch at 617.732.9132
or email slynch6@partners.org

This program is also offered by BHI affiliates in Rhode Island, Tennessee, Washington and Virginia.

FAQ
Published Research
Patient Testimonial
News Clips
Mind Your Heart Book
HMS Guide to Lowering Your Blood Pressure
Relaxation CDs
Herbert Benson, MD Director
Emeritus, Benson-Henry Institute,
Mind Body Medical Institute Associate Professor of Medicine,
Harvard Medical School.