October 27, 2004

Jameson Hospital to Host a “Taste of Ornish” Open House November 9, 2004

 Public Invited to Learn More About the Life-Changing Dr. Dean Ornish Program

New Castle, PA - Coronary heart disease is the number one cause of death in America and is often the direct result of unhealthy lifestyle habits.  Those who have heart disease or are at-risk for developing it can now learn how to reverse its effects and live healthier lives.  Jameson Hospital and Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield have partnered to host an event inviting residents of Pennsylvania to experience the “Taste of Ornish” Open House on November 9, 2004.

The Dr. Dean Ornish Program for Reversing Heart Disease is a comprehensive lifestyle modification program designed 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 “Taste of Ornish” Open House will have the opportunity to experience and sample the four components of the Ornish Program – nutrition, stress management, exercise and group support.  The program’s professional team of dietitians and health specialists will be on-hand to answer questions. “Through our partnership with Highmark, we are able to provide our patients with access to a program that has been nationally recognized for its success in improving the health of participants,” commented Linda M. Cody, Director of Public Relations/Marketing for the Jameson Health System.

“Since Pennsylvania has a high rate of heart disease, it is important to educate residents on ways they can improve their heart health,” said Anna Silberman, vice president of Highmark’s Preventive Health Services Division.  “The program breaks the cycle of unhealthy habits and shows people not only how to manage heart disease, but prevent it,” said Silberman.

The “Taste of Ornish” Open House event will take place at Jameson Hospital on November 9, 2004 from 10 am to 2 pm in the main lobby of the Jameson Hospital North Campus.  To register for the Open House call 1-800-879-2217.

The Jameson Memorial Hospital began offering the Dr. Dean Ornish Program for Reversing Heart Disease in July, 2003.   Since its inception approximately 52 people have been medically qualified to enter into this program. 

The Ornish Program is an excellent example of the Jameson Hospital’s commitment to providing innovative medical programs that improve outcomes for our patients while addressing critical cost issues.

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, visit www.highmark.com.

Individuals interested in applying for the Ornish Program, and primary care physicians and cardiologists with qualified candidates should call The Jameson Hospital’s Lifestyle Advantage/Dr. Dean Ornish Program for Reversing Heart Disease office at 724-656-4660 or visit the Jameson Health System’s Web site at www.jamesonhealthsystem.com.