A unique process of lifestyle education aimed at improving the cardiovascular health of entire families.
Families share life styles and genetics and provide support for each other.
Adults with known coronary artery disease, or adults and children with elevated cardiovascular risk factors, are recruited as a family into an 8 to 12 week program. Recognizing that lifestyle behaviors can impact cardiovascular health, the Family Health Promotion Manuals are developed with the materials that were shown to be effective in reducing blood pressure, increasing risk factor knowledge, and improving eating and physical activities - a start to prevention of coronary heart disease. IT Reinforcement Self-efficacy Supportive Relationships are addressed in session topics. Activities at group sessions get people moving, and family at-home activities keep them moving. Counseling and behavioral contracting provide opportunities for changes that are more personally relevant, and specifically address motivation, support and satisfaction.