Testimonials
Dr. Dean Ornish Program for Reversing Heart Disease Testimonials from Program Participants
"You can never underestimate the power to live and for the first time since 1993, I can do things I never dreamed of; but my biggest accomplishment was to be able to walk and exercise. Whether you are lying in a hospital bed or at home, you have to take the first step on the path to living your life to the fullest and let the awesome power of our journey within us begin. I am glad the Dean Ornish Program came into my life. I am so glad that I am "ALIVE". I am a new person who has a lot to live for. I recommend that everyone try this program — it really works."
Gerri Waiter
Summer 2003"I had become passively resigned to not feeling well and not caring that my obesity was affecting my heart health and self image. It just seemed too hard to change and I had always failed at diets and lost interest with exercising. I came into the Hamot Ornish program, met the professional caring Ornish staff and learned the Ornish lifestyle. Within the first two weeks my health and well being started to change. In 12 weeks, I lost 21 pounds; my cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure are significantly lower. I am more mentally alert, less depressed and the weight continues to come off. I don´t have to think about it any more, it is just happening. The Ornish Program and staff are teaching me to understand my feelings, gain strength and power to manage my stress, to become physically strong in a safe moderate way and to eat healthy and not be hungry. The program is fun. My Ornish group is inspiring and courageous. I have new friendships. The staff is trusting, personable, knowledgeable and always helpful. Twelve weeks ago I dragged myself wearily along. Today, I have ambition and courage to reverse my poor health habits and it´s thrilling! I can´t wait to know me in twelve more weeks. I am just getting started. I am proud to be a part of the Ornish Community."
Kathryn McCauliff
Fall 2003"I thank the Dr. Dean Ornish Program for saving my life. I lost my father and brother to heart disease when they were in their fifties. I was having trouble with shortness of breath and I was already on blood pressure and cholesterol medications. Within two weeks of the program, my shortness of breath went away. I knew then I had a new life style for the rest of my life. Our program in Erie, Pa has been blessed with a wonderful team of qualified therapists to teach us exercise, nutrition, group support and stress management. I have done all four on a regular day to day schedule and I feel healthier than I ever have in all of my sixty- one years. I thank my husband Jerry for supporting me 100%. He has chosen this new life style with me and also feels better than he ever has. We are both looking forward to our retirement next year."
Judie Himes
Summer 2004"I resisted my doctor´s efforts to get into the Ornish program. However, my health continued to decline and it became a do-or-die situation. Even then, I joined the program reluctantly and with a great deal of trepidation — how could I not eat meat! No one thought I could do it, including myself. After twelve weeks in the program, I not only hadn´t eaten meat, but I thoroughly came to enjoy eating healthy, no-fat food. The numbers don´t lie — my blood work was the best it had been in years! As a diabetic on large doses of insulin prior to entering the Ornish Program, I have since cut my insulin in half and I feel better than I have felt in years. It´s tough, but it works. I recommend it highly."
Tom Hoderny
Spring 2006
