Hospitals in Action >> Case Examples

GOOD SAMARITAN HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTER, Downers Grove, IL
Heart Smart for Women

What is it?
A 12-week, behavior change program (using Prochaska's Stages of Change model), designed to lower the risk of heart disease through an emphasis on moderate-intensity activities and improved nutrition choices. Throughout the program, women are taught skills such as self-monitoring, goal setting, problem solving, time management, and stress management. During the past year, the Good Samaritan Health and Wellness Center (part of Advocate Health Care) has reached over 150 women through the Heart Smart for Women program. Progress towards the program goals of increasing knowledge of healthy behaviors, increasing activity, better nutrition, and improvements in health screenings is documented through pre- and post-knowledge tests, walking and pedometer logs, food records, and screenings such as blood pressure, waist/hip ratio, and resting/walking heart rate.

Heart Smart for Women is made possible through Illinois General Revenue funding administered through the Office of Women's Health, Illinois Department of Public Health, and The Cooper Institute for Aerobics Research (licensed owner of the program materials).

Who is it for?
Adult women between the ages of 18 and 64 years in DuPage County, Illinois.

Why do they do it?
Heart disease is the leading cause of death among women in DuPage County. As part of Good Samaritan's mission to serve the health needs of those who live and work in our area, Heart Smart for Women teaches women the skills necessary to prevent heart disease. Of the 151 women who graduated from the Heart Smart program this fiscal year, 100% reported improvements in their knowledge of healthy behaviors; 90% reported improvement in either activity levels or nutrition choices; and 80% reported improvements in both activity and nutrition.

Contact: Diane Ahern
Marketing Manager
Telephone: 630-275-2782
Email: Diane.Ahern@advocatehealth.com