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Debido al aumento de enfermedades respiratorias en la comunidad, Goshen Hospital ha implementado restricciones para las visitas. Infórmese.

Un enfoque disciplinado lleva a redescubrir la alegría

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Karen DeWitt, Indianapolis, knew she needed help to regain joy in her life after a silent heart attack and a stent procedure for her blocked arteries. Instead of feeling better, the medications she was on left DeWitt with no energy – or interest – in life. And, she was only 56 years old.

"Physically I could not hold my head up throughout much of the day," DeWitt said. "Emotionally I was hopeless."

Then DeWitt’s sister discovered Ornish Lifestyle Medicine, an intensive cardiac rehabilitation program that often reduces patients’ dependence on medications. The nine-week program includes plant-based eating, exercise, group support and stress management. Karen DeWitt enrolled in the program early in 2019.

"I am a completely different person," said DeWitt. "I lost 70 pounds. My mental attitude has changed drastically. My energy has increased, and I know the importance of self-care."

A move toward hope and healing

Since Goshen Heart & Vascular Center offers the only Ornish program in Indiana – and DeWitt lives in Indianapolis, she and her husband Barry decided to rent a home near the program so they could focus on Karen’s cardiovascular rehabilitation.

One of the first adjustments was the nutrition plan: the no-oil, vegetarian way of eating on the Ornish program took a real brain change – an unlearning – for DeWitt. It was the opposite of the high-protein, low-carb diet her doctors had recommended for over 20 years.

"The craze of high-protein, keto, paleo way of eating did not serve me well. It produced my health state," she said.

Ornish-style cooking classes and nutrition education helped the DeWitts master the art of eating plant-based, even when they travel.

“If you had asked me in February if I could give up meat, I would have said, ‘you are crazy,’” Barry said. “But I don’t miss meat at all! This is so doable!”

In addition to changing the way they eat, the DeWitts have made exercise a daily practice. Barry’s participation with his wife in the Ornish program has resulted in his losing over 100 pounds. (Spouses are encouraged to attend as many exercise and education sessions as they can.)

Managing stress also key to DeWitt’s success

Before completing Ornish program, DeWitt says, "I clearly did not manage stress well, and that contributed to my heart disease."

Now she practices breathing, meditates and does yoga every day. These equip DeWitt to handle stress in a healthy way. She has also been building a stronger support system among friends, family and newfound Ornish graduates.

Following the Ornish program consistently has helped DeWitt rediscover joy, energy and good health. In addition to her weight loss, her blood pressure and cholesterol have dramatically dropped. Plus, she has reduced most of her medications and, with her physician’s approval, hopes to eliminate all of them in the future. In the meantime, she says, "The Ornish program works! The proof is in my numbers."
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Aviso: Algunos consultorios pueden exigir una remisión de un profesional en salud para poder programar una cita