Windber Medical Center and the Windber Research Institute take a multidisciplinary approach to improving your health risk. The Cardiovascular Risk Clinic (CRC) is a risk factor modification program designed to decrease your risk of developing heart disease. Through our dedicated team of health professionals, CRC participants will be empowered with the tools to focus on health promotion and disease prevention. Our specialized team comprised of physicians, nurses, dietitians, stress management specialists, psychologists and exercise physiologists will support and supplement your own healthcare provider’s treatment plan so that preventive health is optimized and you remain healthy. Scientists at the Windber Research Institute work in collaboration with the CRC program by studying genetic characteristics from blood samples collected from participants. This genetic information is then combined with the participant’s clinical data to give the researchers a clear picture of not only how participants improve physically but also how their genes are changing “under the microscope.” Even though you may not benefit personally from your participation in the research; the findings from this study may provide further information on the cause, risk, and treatment of heart disease, which may benefit your family or others. Your personalized program will begin with a comprehensive health risk assessment completed by our Medical Director. During this extensive physician visit your cardiac risk will be reviewed and a realistic lifestyle change plan will be developed. An educational workshop designed to provide further instruction regarding the recommended lifestyle changes will be held, followed by once a month individual appointments with each modality specialist over a 4 month period. These modality appointments are tailored to keep you on track with your individual plan. The key program components that you will be counseled on are moderate aerobic exercise, stress management, mind/body health and a low-fat, whole food nutrition plan based on the Mediterranean diet. However, your insurance will be billed for the required testing associated with the program. 0ur experienced staff will assist you as needed through this process. You Can Benefit from the CRC Program if you:
Have a history of cardiac events or surgery and are seeking a noninvasive option to minimize your risk of having another cardiac event. Are at risk for developing cardiac disease as indicated by one or more of the following:
• Family history
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Smoking
• Lipid elevations
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Overweight or obese
• Insomnia or sleep apnea
