The CATS program is staffed by a multi-specialist team of health professionals including a cardiologist, dietitian, medical social worker, culinary specialist, exercise psysiologists and nurses. The CATS program begins with a 8-day comprehensive life style experience designed to assist patients with a lifelong commitment to coronary risk reduction. For 8 days in a row, CATS patients attend an all day program of exercise, education, grocery shopping and cooking classes , with field trips to a restaurant and grocery store. All meals are provided. CATS patients participate in preparing a few of the dinners and lunches so they can apply new information soon after they have learned it.
Stress is a risk factor for heart disease.
In CATS, a medical social worker evaluates every patient's level of stress and teaches techniques for healthy stress management such as mindful meditation, visualization, self-hypnosis and cognitive behavior management. This 8-day program is held in Ann Arbor at Domino's Farms. Phase II of the CATS program is a 2 year follow up program with ongoing evaluation of your progress and well being. At periodic CATS reunion programs, you will get updates on innovations in nutrition, exercise, stress management and heart care, as well as an assessment of your progress. CATS staff will continue to contact you to see how you are doing and will work with you to solve problems that make it difficult for you to follow your healthy heart lifestyle.