Methodist Offers Innovative Stress Reduction Program to Cardiac Rehab Patients

Methodist Health System is the first hospital in Dallas to offer an innovative stress reduction program to patients in a cardiac rehabilitation program. HeartMath® uses practical tools based on over a decade of scientific research to enhance the heart-brain communication and coherence within individuals and organisations. Participants use HeartMath's real-time feedback software to monitor their heart rhythms. They also learn techniques to help calm the heart and the rest of the body while increasing mental acuteness and overall performance. These techniques help increase the production of DHEA, a positive hormone and reduce the production of Cortisol, a hormone the body secretes in excessive amounts when it is under stress. Studies show that high levels of Cortisol increase the risk of chronic diseases such as hypertension, obesity, and diabetes.

Patients enrolled in the cardiac rehabilitation program at the Folsom Fitness and Rehab Center at Methodist Dallas Medical Center are eligible to participate in the program. The program includes evaluation, training, a patient kit, and ongoing education and practice during scheduled cardiac rehabilitation sessions. "We wanted to offer something different to our patients that would provide them with practical tools for managing stress," says Folsom supervisor Angela McKay. "HeartMath seemed a natural fit. It is an easy concept and something they can practice anywhere and anytime." Howard E. Anderson, Jr., M. D., Medical Director of Cardiac Rehabilitation at Methodist Dallas adds, "The HeartMath techniques reduce the metabolic responses in the human body by decreasing fluctuations in heart rate and blood pressure. Through this process, our patients achieve a healthy, balanced state and become more productive in family, social, and work environments."

Nancy Strickland, a patient in the cardiac rehabilitation program, has been using the HeartMath techniques for a couple of months and says she really notices a difference in how she handles stress in her life. Ms. Strickland, who underwent heart surgery in February, says she used to get impatient and frustrated when driving or standing in line at the grocery. "Now, I use the techniques I've learned to relax and focus on something else," she says. "Before I know it, I've reached my destination."

About HeartMath
The Institute of HeartMath was founded in 1991 by Doc Childre. The term HeartMath was created by Childre to describe a system of practical tools that when sincerely practiced, add-up to less stress and improved performance by enhancing heart-brain communication and coherence within individuals and organisations. HeartMath has been featured on ABC's World News Tonight with Peter Jennings, CNN Headline News, NBC's Today Show, ABC's Good Morning America, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, New York Times, Reader's Digest, Modern Health care, and the Harvard Business Review. HeartMath research has been published in peer-review publications such as the Journal of Preventative Cardiology, Biological Psychology, and the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. For more information, visit the HeartMath Web site at www.heartmath.com.

About Methodist Health System
Guided by the founding principles of life, learning, and compassion, Methodist Health System (Methodist) uses some of the latest medical technology and research to bring quality health care to individuals and families throughout North Texas. Methodist Dallas Medical Center, Methodist Charlton Medical Center, and four Methodist Family Health Centers are part of the nonprofit Methodist Health System, which is affiliated by covenant with the North Texas Conference of The United Methodist Church. Additional information is available at www.methodisthealthsystem.org. Texas law prohibits hospitals from practicing medicine. The physicians on the Methodist Health System medical staff are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Methodist Health System.

Methodist Media Contact: Lynette Wilkinson
( 214) 947-7460 or lynettewilkinson@mhd.com

For Information
Telephone: (02) 9412 2500 (Australia)
Telephone: +61 2 9412 2500 (International)
E-Mail: info@heartmath.com.au