HEART TO HEART

-

for individuals at risk for
HEART ATTACKS, HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE, OR STROKES

a program emphasizing
STRESS REDUCTION
OPTIMAL NUTRITION
MIND-BODY EXERCISES

You are about to begin a healing journey... one that encourages mind-body awareness for restoring quality of life. Before you is a path for learning to take an active role in reestablishing and maintaining optimal health. It is your choice to take the first steps, and we are here to guide you.

The fact that you’ve opened this brochure acknowledges personal concern for your own well-being, or for a loved-one. Perhaps you’re:

- suffering from high blood pressure, or experiencing chest pain
- concerned with your weight or elevated cholesterol levels
- out of shape, and hoping to avoid major health problems in the future
- worried about a family history of heart attacks or strokes, or that you’ve lost a loved-one to such a condition
- realizing that you have the potential to suffer another heart attack or stroke (like the one in the past), and that you’re dedicating your efforts to do all that is possible to live a healthy and productive life.

Our Approach

For all of these reasons and more, our staff at the Mind-Body Wellness Center has developed a state-of-the-art program designed to help you create a future that maximizes your chances to enjoy every possible moment of your life. We enlist a mind-body-spirit approach that focuses on:

- understanding the basis for improving and maintaining a healthy lifestyle
- developing effective coping strategies for dealing with the pressures of day-to-day living
- learning the principles of relaxation that can help you reverse stress-related conditioned effects, such as high blood pressure that can trigger personal health disasters
- beginning a nutritional program that has the potential to stop and potentially reverse obstructions to blood flow that lead to heart attacks and strokes
- incorporating gentle and safe mind-body exercises that can help you get back in shape, improve your stamina, and feel years younger

Our Team

Barry Bittman, MD, neurologist, researcher, international mind-body lecturer, author and inventor is the Center’s Director. Dr. Bittman’s work and research focuses on teaching individuals to maximize their inner healing resources.

Our staff is a coordinated team of experienced and enthusiastic physicians, nurses, counselors, therapists, nutritionists and talented experts who are convinced that working together under the same roof produces incredible results. We recognize the value of the team approach that ensures optimum communication within the Center and with your personal physician. We are proud to serve as an extension of Meadville Medical Center; a hospital that recognizes the importance of delivering the very best care possible.

With You In Mind

Our program includes the following components:

Relaxation and Mind-Body Medicine
Beliefs, Emotions and our Health
Practical Stress Management
Coping with Change
The Healing Power of Relationships
Achieving Goals One Step at a Time
The Healing Power of Humor and Play
Creating Your Future
Working Together for a Better Tomorrow
Guided Imagery
Meditation
Rational Nutrition
Low Fat Eating
Preparing Healthy Meals
Reaching and Maintaining Healthy Weight
The Truth About Supplements
Shopping and Eating Out
Qigong/Tai Chi
Yoga

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a patient’s physician have to refer the patient to the Center?
No.

Who conducts the sessions?

Sessions are conducted by the staff at the Mind-Body Wellness Center.

How does one enter the program?

Each patient should contact the Mind-Body Wellness Center for preliminary information and questions.

Who can accompany a patient to the sessions?

Emotional support is considered important to this approach. Married patients should be accompanied by their spouse. Single patients are encouraged to bring their most significant other, a family member or a close friend.

What is the time frame for the program?

Programs are held as 2-hour group sessions at the Center. Please call for a schedule.

Does insurance cover the fee?

There is no charge, as the outpatient program is covered by a grant from the PA Department of Health.

We welcome your calls for information
regarding our Heart to Heart Program.