The Heart Health Center Brings Ornish Lifestyle Medicine to St. Louis

The Heart Health Center, located in St. Louis, is now offering The Ornish Lifestyle Medicine program.

Grounded in nearly four decades of peer-reviewed clinical research, the Ornish Lifestyle Medicine Program (covered under the benefit category, Intensive Cardiac Rehabilitation) is the first program that is scientifically-proven to reverse the progression of heart disease in its participants. Over the course of 18 four-hour sessions, the program brings about its transformational impact by helping participants optimize four key areas of their lives: exercise, stress management, group support, and nutrition.

Participants experience the program within a consistent group of peers who share health histories and objectives, and are led through the program by a dedicated team that includes a medical director, a program director, a nurse case manager, and experts in stress management, behavioral health, fitness and nutrition. Participants often continue to be a part of the Ornish community—and stay in contact with their peers and clinicians—long after graduating from the official program.

“My colleagues and I are helping to create a new paradigm of health care,” said Dr. Ornish.

The Heart Health Center was established as a cardiology practice in 1989, specializing in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of heart and vascular disease. Their 9 board certified university-trained cardiologists and staff are dedicated to providing patients with personalized, professional, and compassionate care in a friendly environment. It is the first cardiologists’ office in the U.S. and the only location in the state providing the Ornish Lifestyle Medicine Program. Its first cohorts of participants started in October 2015, with new cohorts beginning often.

“This intensive cardiac rehab program has consistently demonstrated the ability to help reverse the effects of heart disease through comprehensive lifestyle changes, “ said Dr. Joseph Craft III MD, FACC, Medical Director at The Heart Health Center. “At The Heart Health Center we passionately embrace prevention of cardiovascular disease. We aspire to always provide scientifically robust, innovative care and outstanding service to our patients. In this spirit, we are thrilled to introduce the Ornish Lifestyle Medicine Program to the St. Louis metropolitan area. We feel confident it will empower and enhance the quality of life of many patients.”

“My colleagues and I are helping to create a new paradigm of health care – one based on addressing the underlying causes of heart disease and many other chronic diseases,” said Dr. Ornish. “My vision has always been to sustainably transform lives for the better by making simple lifestyle choices. With each new site to offer our program, we continue to make that vision a reality.”

The Ornish Lifestyle Medicine program is reimbursed by Medicare and other commercial payers for qualified individuals. The Heart Health Center delivery team will help determine eligibility and insurance coverage, and obtain the required physician order.

Join Dr. Craft and the Ornish Lifestyle Medicine Program team Tuesday, February 16th from 5:00-7:00 p.m, for a grand opening; tour the new facility, meet the staff, and sample Ornish-friendly appetizers.

The event will be held in the new Ornish Lifestyle Medicine Program Suite: 450 N. New Ballas Rd, Suite 202, South Wing, St. Louis, MO 63141.

To attend the grand opening, call 314.991.6969.