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Published on: April 19, 2019

Maintenance of behavior changes in cardiorespiratory risk reduction: a clinical perspective from the Ornish Program

J H Billings1

  • 1Preventive Medicine Research Institute, Sausalito, California 94965, USA. jharpb@aol.com

Health Psychology : Official Journal of the Division of Health Psychology, American Psychological Association
|March 10, 2000
PubMed

Insights

This article discusses maintaining lifestyle changes for heart health, drawing on 15 years of experience with the Ornish Program. It highlights the program's success in reducing cardiac risk factors and improving adherence to lifestyle modifications.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Behavioral Medicine
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Conference on Maintenance of Behavior Change in Cardiorespiratory Risk Reduction.
  • Author's clinical perspective from 15 years of experience.
  • Interest in the Ornish Program's success.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Provide an "outside-the-box" clinical reaction to conference reports.
  • Discuss the Ornish Program's effectiveness in lifestyle change.
  • Highlight factors contributing to long-term adherence.

Main Methods:

  • Edited remarks from a conference presentation.
  • Clinical experience with the Ornish Heart Disease Reversal Program.
  • Review of existing literature on the Ornish Program's outcomes.

Main Results:

  • The Ornish Program demonstrates success in reducing cardiac risk factors.
  • The program aids in altering the progression of coronary artery disease.
  • Sustained adherence to lifestyle changes is achievable.

Conclusions:

  • Lifestyle modification programs like Ornish's are effective for cardiorespiratory risk reduction.
  • Long-term adherence is a critical component of successful behavior change.
  • Clinical experience offers valuable insights into public health initiatives.

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