Jefferson Regional Medical Center and Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield have partnered to host an event inviting employees with Highmark coverage from Downtown Pittsburgh companies to experience a Taste of Ornish Open House on Wednesday, August 11 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the PNC YMCA on Fifth Avenue, Downtown.

Coronary heart disease is the number one cause of death in America and is often the direct result of unhealthy lifestyle habits. Eligible individuals who have heart disease or are at risk based on certain factors, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes or a family history of heart disease can now learn how to live healthier lives.

The Dr. Dean Ornish Program for Reversing Heart Disease is a comprehensive lifestyle modification program to assist participants in the management of heart disease and how to address key risk factors associated with its onset and progression. Through healthy lifestyle modification, the Ornish Program teaches participants how to improve their health and well-being to live longer and healthier.

Attendees of the Open House will have the opportunity to experience the four Ornish Program components—nutrition, stress management, exercise and group support. A team of Jefferson Regional Medical Center medical professionals including Saul J. Silver, M.D., cardiologist and Medical Director for the Ornish program at Jefferson Regional, will be conducting the program at the Downtown YMCA and will be on hand at the Open House to answer questions.

“We are excited to partner with Highmark to provide this excellent program for the downtown business community,” said Louise Urban, RN, vice president and chief nursing officer.  “Our outcomes are consistently positive.   Not only will participants benefit from the lifestyle modifications, this program has proven results in reducing heart attacks and other cardiovascular events.  We are fortunate to be able to offer the program at the PNC YMCA as it provides a beautiful and convenient location for participants.”

The initial Stage I, 12-week phase of the Ornish Program at the PNC YMCA, Downtown begins on Tuesday, September 21 thru December 21and will be conducted twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. 

For more information or to register for the Taste of Ornish Open House on Wednesday, August 11 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. call Highmark toll-free at 1-800-879-2217 (TTY users can call 711, the national relay service.). Space for the event is limited. 

About Jefferson Regional Medical Center

Jefferson Regional Medical Center is a modern, 376-bed facility located 13 miles south of Pittsburgh, offering a complete range of superior cost-effective healthcare services for residents of South Hills communities in a location close to their homes. Services provided by nearly 400 physicians in more than 40 specialties include emergency treatment – with Quick Care® for minor injuries and illnesses, diagnostic testing, medical and surgical treatment, inpatient and outpatient care, laboratory and pathology work. Comprehensive care programs for cancer care, heart and lung care, behavioral health care, and rehabilitation programs also are provided. All inpatients enjoy private patient rooms and valet parking.  Jefferson Regional also provides a growing number of outpatient centers for diagnostic testing and a variety of healthcare services.

About Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield
As one of the state’s leading health insurers and with more than 70 years of community involvement, Pittsburgh-based Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield serves 3.1 million members. The company’s mission is to provide access to affordable, quality health care enabling individuals to live longer, healthier lives. Highmark exerts an enormous economic impact throughout Pennsylvania. A recent study states that Highmark’s positive impact exceeded $2.5 billion. Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield employs more than 5,000 people in the region and provides the resources to give its members a greater hand in their health.

Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans. For more information about Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, visit www.highmark.com.

More About the Dr. Dean Ornish Program for Reversing Heart Disease

·        Provides a year-long, non-invasive treatment option; individuals must meet established diagnostic criteria to participate.

·        Shows significant improvements in weight, triglyceride levels, cholesterol levels, blood pressure, chest pain (angina) and more.

·        Combines stress management, moderate exercise, a low-fat whole foods nutrition plan and group support.

·        Offers personalized one-on-one support from a dedicated team of medical health professionals to monitor the individual’s health, such as a physician, registered nurse, registered dietitian, exercise physiologist, certified stress management instructor and licensed group support facilitator.

·        Collaborates with the individual’s personal physician, who will continue making all their medical decisions with them, including the use of any prescription drugs.

·        Demonstrates to be practical and sustainable for most participants, as 78 percent have completed the program.

·        Improves the individual’s health, energy level and lifestyle.