"Heartbeats4life" is based on the work of Dr. Dean Ornish, including
Diet ~ Exercise ~ Stress Reduction ~ Social Interaction
You're not alone! Information and support are just a Heartbeat away.
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2010-2011 Schedule of Programs
2009-2010 Schedule of Programs
2008-2009 Schedule of Programs
Dr. Neal D. Barnard to Speak in Pittsford, Wednesday, September 17, 2008
2007-2008 Schedule of Programs
Caldwell B. Esselstyn to speak in Brighton on March 31, 2008
2006-2007 Schedule of Programs
2005-2006 Schedule of Programs
These are few web sites that we have found interesting
Group Support Contacts In Zip Code Order
What is Heartbeats for Life?
Heartbeats for Life! is primarily a heart disease reversal support group. In the Rochester, NY, area alone,
there are thousands of heart-related medical incidents per year, including heart attack and stroke.
Heartbeats is dedicated to reversing, reducing and preventing heart disease and related illnesses
such as diabetes and obesity.
The group was founded in 1995 by heart patients who were looking for non-invasive approaches
to their treatment. It was founded under the name The Ornish Support Group of Greater Rochester (OSGGR).
Note: Heartbeats! does not provide medical advice. We provide health information which you can use
in discussion with your primary doctor and/or cardiologist. However, we have yet to find a doctor who isn't happy
when a patient exercises, loses weight, lowers cholesterol, lowers heart rate and reduces blood pressure!
Be sure and check with your medical professionals
before you begin any changes in your regular routines, including this program.
Who are the members?
Members are heart patients, their families and friends, but also many who have an interest in preventing
heart disease.
Why do members join Heartbeats?
Members report the following reasons for belonging to the group:
-Need positive reinforcement
-I'm alive today because of it.
-Group support
-Learn what to do and how to do it!
-Weight loss
-Lower cholesterol
-No more surgery!!!
-Support my spouse
What does Heartbeats do?
The group holds activities that promote a low-fat and vegetarian diet, combined with exercise, relaxation techniques,
stress reduction and social interaction, the key components of the heart disease reversal program
designed by Dr. Dean Ornish.
What are the activities?
Programs on related topics are held on the second Monday of each month, September–July, usually at
the Monroe County Cornell Cooperative Extension, 249 Highland Avenue, Rochester, NY.
A potluck supper is from 6:30–7:30. Bring a low-fat, vegetarian dish to pass, as well as your own place setting.
The program is from 7:30–8:45. Come for the potluck or the program - or both!
The cost is free to Heartbeats! members and $4.00 to non-members.
Twice a year, banquets are held are area restaurants that prepare sumptuous meals using Ornish guidelines.
A potluck picnic is held at Ellison Park in July.
Members also receive regular e-mails with Heartbeats! program updates, links and articles on related
medical information, and the opportunity to communicate with other members.
Small support groups of six to eight members are available.
Ornish 101 and Ornish 102 study groups are available for those who wish to delve into the Ornish program in depth.
What if I don’t know how to cook this way? Can I still attend the potlucks?
You bet! Lots of our members have been introduced to vegetarian, low fat cooking by attending our potlucks!
Just bring fruit or a loaf of whole grain bread. Or just show up! Don’t worry about it - you and your friends are always welcome.
I heard you use meditation in the program. Is that religious?
Absolutely not! That’s a common misconception. Our members come from diverse backgrounds and
this is not a religious group. In the Ornish program, meditation is used for stress reduction. It’s a way to
focus your mind away from the stress of everyday life. Sit quietly with your eyes closed, listen to
a relaxation tape of waves on the beach, gentle music or other relaxing sounds. That’s all it is, and it’s very relaxing!
I also heard this program was too hard! Can I do it?
Sure it’s hard, but it’s not too hard, and it’s not impossible to learn and follow!
That’s why we’re here – to help you “get with the program!”
Surgery and heart disease are hard! But eating delicious food, listening to relaxation tapes,
taking enjoyable walks, and meeting some nifty new people – now that’s enjoyable! Yes, you can do this – we do!
What do members say about the group?
Members report these benefits from the program:
-Meeting new people
-Seeing familiar folks!
-Sharing recipes
-Talking with others learning to follow the program
-Good food!
-Nice time!
-How to curb my eating
-How to order in restaurants the Ornish way
-How to prepare unfamiliar foods
-Medical information
It’s easy! Call our 24-hour voice mail at 585-234-7076 for program dates and locations.
Leave a message if you’d like.
A member of the Heartbeats! steering committee will call back to answer your questions.
For a brochure, leave your name, address and zip.
Then come and try out a potluck dinner and program with no obligation to join! Really!
Come see for yourself what Heartbeats for Life! is all about.
When you’re ready, annual dues are only $25. for an individual and $35. for a family.
If you join mid-year, your dues will be prorated.
All membership renewals are due every September.
Resources
Ø Dr. Ornish’s site is at the Preventive Medicine Research Institute, www.pmri.org Also go to www.webmd.com
Ø The site for Dr. T. Colin Campbell’s book, The China Study, is www.thechinastudy.com.
Ø For Dr. Caldwell B. Esselstyn’s site, go to www.heartattackproof.com
Ø For Dr. Neal D. Barnard's site, go to Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine www.pcrm.org
Ø For Dr. John Mc Dougall, go to www.drmcdougall.com
Go to www.oprah.com Look in program archives for two programs featuring Dr. Dean Ornish:
What to Feed Your Heart aired March 13, 2002, and Inside the Human Body aired January 30, 2004.
For more information, call Heartbeats! 24-hour voice mail 234-7076.
Formerly known as The Ornish Support Group of Greater Rochester OSGGR
© Heartbeats For Life! January 2004
Robert F. Klein, MD, chair
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