The Wellness Program at WVU Health Sciences offers Dr. Dean Ornish’s ‘The Spectrum’

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Chronic diseases — such as heart disease and diabetes — are among the leading causes of death and disability in the United States, accounting for seven out of 10 deaths among Americans each year. To impact this trend, The Wellness Program of the West Virginia University Health Sciences Campus is offering “The Spectrum,” a six-week educational program based on the best-selling book and research of Dr. Dean Ornish.

The program was designed for individuals who want to prevent disease, reduce the risks for developing a chronic condition or learn to adopt lifestyle changes that can help manage diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. It provides a personalized approach to customize a way of eating, managing stress and exercise that is based on each individual’s desires, needs and genetic predispositions. Spectrum helps people identify where they are on the health continuum, offering them a full range of optimum lifestyle choices.

“This serves as a powerful change tool for individuals who may or may not have heart disease or other chronic conditions but want to take a proactive approach to their health to turn back the clock on metabolic changes that may predispose them to disease,” Dave Harshbarger, director of the Dr. Dean Ornish Program for Reversing Heart Disease, said.

Classes begin Tuesday, Feb. 15 and meet for six consecutive Tuesdays from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the John E. Jones Conference Center at the WVU Health Sciences Center. For more information, call The Wellness Program at 304-293-2520.