As a pilot project, Blue Choice is planning a one-week retreat featuring the nationally known Dr. Dean Ornish program for reversing heart disease.

The program is designed for individuals diagnosed with heart disease or the risk factors for heart disease who are looking for an alternative that may reduce the need for cardiac by-pass surgery or angioplasty. Blue Choice is looking for 30 members who qualify to participate in the seminar to be held October 15-19. Internist Dean Ornish, MD and his colleagues have shown through a series of clinical studies that the progression of even severe heart disease can be reversed with changes in nutrition and lifestyle. The goal is to provide participants with the latest scientific information on the power of lifestyle changes so that they can make informed and intelligent choices.

BlueCross BlueShield of the Rochester Area is sponsoring the pilot program to observe the impact on members who participate, and to gauge the greater Rochester area's general interest in considering lifestyle-based ways to control heart disease.

Participants are taught how to eat a healthy vegetarian diet consisting of only 10 percent fat. Meat, fish, chicken and nuts are diet exclusions. Participants are also instructed in yoga-based stress reduction techniques and meditation, and are required to exercise a minimum of one hour, three times a week. The group support component helps participants stay on track through regular contacts with others who are going through the program.

Interested BCBSRA members will go through a screening process and 30 applicants will be accepted into the program. Part of the screening process involves the members' physicians providing medical records to determine the most appropriate candidates for the pilot. Members who are accepted into the pilot program will be responsible for a $150 copayment. BCBSRA will subsidize the remaining costs for the program.

Blue Choice members who have a history of coronary artery disease and would like to participate in the program should contact Mary Cay Humphreys, Corporate Case Management, BCBSRA, at (716) 238-4673.