Integrating Mind Body and Spirit in the Prevention and Reduction of Chronic Disease: Findings from a Federally Qualified Health Center in the South Bronx, New York

Background: The Canyon Ranch Institute Life Enhancement Program (CRI LEP) is an integrative health program aimed at improving health and wellness to prevent chronic disease. The CRI LEP includes experiential and participatory sessions that integrate mind, body, and spirit - “whole person”. CRI LEP addresses nutrition, physical activity, health behavior, spirituality, integrative medicine, and social support in a linguistically and culturally appropriate manner. CRI and Urban Health Plan (UHP) developed and offered the CRI LEP in the South Bronx, New York. Cohorts were conducted in Spanish and English. Evaluation Methods: An evaluation strategy and data collection protocol were developed to measure physiological, physical, behavioral, attitudinal, and knowledge outcomes as they related to participant's nutritional status, physical fitness, and stress levels. A serum analysis was also conducted that evaluated cholesterol and hemoglobin A1c. Evaluation Results: Results of the evaluation of three cohorts (N=42) showed significant changes in the health metrics measured that contribute to chronic disease. For example, in the first cohort, 61% of participants decreased body weight 4.6 pounds on average, Average waist size dropped 1.75 in. for 93% of participants and participants experienced an average drop in blood pressure of 7.8/2.3 mm Hg. Depression scores dropped an average of 6.1 points on the 28-point PHQ-9 depression scale. Participants expressed increased desires and abilities to learn more about and improve their health Conclusions: Qualitative and quantitative data on the outcomes indicate that the CRI LEP - a health literate, integrative health approach to improving health and wellness - can have a measurable impact on reducing and preventing chronic disease.