Empowering cardiovascular patients

Key Points

When a patient is diagnosed with high blood pressure, stroke, or any number of cardiovascular conditions, lifestyle modification is generally prescribed along with medications. Healthier eating habits and regular exercise are the staples of lifestyle modification. While healthcare professionals excel in providing the information patients need to lead healthier lives, few find the means to provide the encouragement and accountability necessary to assist their patients in reaching their self-defined health goals. Yet this "health coach" model is the preferred method for a cardiovascular risk reduction program.

Information. Education is the key to decreased cardiovascular risk and improved quality of life for your patients. Pharmacists who use the http://HealthyHeartClub.com/ program offer monthly educational classes, either in their stores or in a nearby location. Designed to be 1 hour in length, the classes examine a fresh topic each month. The scripted curriculum allows the pharmacist to give a powerful, effective presentation with little preparation. The classes not only enhance their patients' knowledge; they are designed to attract new customers to the pharmacy, as well.

Resources. In addition to monthly education classes, http://HealthyHeartClub.com/ offers resources that enable your patients to make healthy choices regarding diet and exercise. Give your patients healthy recipes. Teach them how to read food labels. The meal mixer at http://HealthyHeartClub.com/ is an innovative tool you can use to show patients how to satisfy their cravings using foods they already have in their kitchens.