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Rx for syndrome x: Implementation of a community-based heart disease prevention program through use of a team approach

Lisa Delgrosso Wagnes, ANP, MSN, Fay Cesarano, RD, CDN, CDE, Joshua Berger, BA, Yvette Walker, MD, MPH, and Angela Bunyan, PA-C, MS. Disease Management Program, Community Healthcare Network, 79 Madison Ave, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10016, (212) 366-4500 x 256, ldelgrosso@chnnyc.org

The term Syndrome X, or metabolic syndrome, was coined by Dr. Gerald Reaven in 1988, and represents a group of risk factors that increase a person’s chance of developing heart disease. Indicators such as elevated blood pressure, altered blood fats, and obesity have been widely established as risk factors for heart disease; however, Syndrome X also attributes insulin resistance and slightly elevated blood sugar to increased risk, when found in conjunction with other cardiovascular problems. In response to high rates of these conditions in neighborhoods served by its community health centers, Community Healthcare Network developed a comprehensive heart disease prevention program targeting individuals diagnosed with at least three of the risk factors that constitute Syndrome X. With an overall goal of improving cardiovascular health through lifestyle changes, the educational objectives addressed the following: 1) meal planning; 2) exercise; 3) blood pressure; 4) stress; 5) smoking cessation; 6) cholesterol; and 7) insulin resistance. In addition, participants received individualized consults with a provider and a nutritionist to discuss meal planning, weight loss, medications, and other health concerns. Using funding from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, a team of medical, nutrition, and health education staff developed the curriculum and evaluation tools, and created and purchased educational materials and incentives for program implementation. Continuous reassessment of curriculum content, materials, recruitment methods, and attrition occurred over several months. Formal outcome evaluation consisted of knowledge pre- and post-tests, satisfaction surveys, and indicators such as blood pressure, waist circumference, BMI, and lipids.

Learning Objectives:

Keywords: Community Education, Heart Disease

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Community Healthcare Network (provider of services); New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (Funding source)
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Community Healthcare Network- employer; New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene- funder of program

Health Promotion in Our Communities

The 132nd Annual Meeting (November 6-10, 2004) of APHA