Jameson Dean Ornish Team

January 19, 2010 - The Ornish Team at Jameson currently offers the comprehensive, year long Dr. Dean Ornish Program for Reversing Heart Disease demonstrating you can slow and stop the progression of heart disease. The Jameson Team is preparing to offer the new “Spectrum” program, previously called Ornish Advantage. The Spectrum is a six week program offering yet more options and education in lifestyle choices.

The Jameson Team is Doug Petrik R.N., Nurse Case Manager; Lori Brothers CYT , Stress Management Specialist; Joy Urda M.S., Program Director/ Exercise Physiologist; Maria Tsikouris R.D., Nutrition Educator; Dave Hunter M.A., MSW , LCSW, Group Support Facilitator; Kathy Fleming Chef; Neil Herrick D.O., and Sherry Sniezek, EKG Technician.  The Jameson Team recently attended the Ornish Works: Rediscovering the Vision, Highmark Retreat.  Joy Urda, Program Director said, “The team was able to meet with Dr. Ornish personally and returned refreshed with new information. As a Team we are motivated to continue to support participants in making healthier lifestyle choices. We are happy to provide these programs to our community.” Doug Petrik, RN/ NCM said, “Seeing how our participants improve throughout this program is exciting. It is good to see how preventative medicine makes an impact in our community.”

Jameson Hospital was one of five regional hospitals acknowledged for participation in a Cardiac Biomarker study, associated with the Dr. Dean Ornish Program for Reversing Heart Disease and funded by the United States Defense Department. Results of this study were presented at the Society of Behavioral Medicine conference, the International Symposium on Atherosclerosis, and currently being prepared for written publication in leading medical journals. Research shows that lifestyle changes affect gene expression, “turning on” disease-preventing genes and “turning off” genes that promote cancer and heart disease, as well as lengthening telomeres, the ends of chromosomes that control how long we live. 

Chronic diseases may be reversible by making effective lifestyle changes, including a very low-fat diet including predominantly fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and soy products in their natural, unrefined forms; moderate exercise such as walking; various stress management techniques including yoga-based stretching, breathing, meditation, and imagery; and enhanced social support, which may include support groups. Our participants have seen improved blood sugars, blood pressure, cholesterol, weight, functional capacity, depression and overall satisfaction with life.

The Jameson Memorial Hospital is one of nine hospitals in western Pennsylvania to offer this Program through Highmark’s Preventive Services, which is a subsidiary of Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield. The program for reversing heart disease is offered to medically qualified individuals in the Beaver, Butler , Mercer and Lawrence Counties .  Jameson staff members work with primary care physicians and cardiologists to identify medically qualified candidates for the Program.  Group sizes are limited in each program session to ensure personalized attention.

For more information about the Jameson programs, call Joy Urda at Jameson Hospital 724-656-4660 .

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