title: Community-Based Healthy Living Interventions.
abstract: In an environment in which most people have lifestyles that increase risk for initial or recurrent cardiovascular disease (CVD) events, community-based healthy lifestyle initiatives are highly effective in providing programs, education and support to reduce associated CVD risk factors and improve outcomes. Pioneering programs, such as the Stanford Three Community and Five Cities studies, and the North Karelia project in Finland, served as prototypes for current initiatives. These include partnerships with national organizations (e.g., YMCA DPP) and faith-based programs. Training may be provided by healthcare professionals and/or community healthcare workers; initiatives include exercise-based and weight-reduction programs, smoking cessation interventions, dietary counseling and education, and medication adherence. Contemporary technologies and home-based programs provide alternatives to those who might not otherwise have access to center-based programs. Community-based initiatives, particularly those with state or national support, have the potential to enhance the delivery and effectiveness of CVD prevention at low cost.
authors.affiliation: Cardiovascular Medicine and Coronary Interventions, Redwood City, CA, Stanford Prevention Research Center, Stanford University School of Medicine (Emeritus), USA. Electronic address: kberra@stanford.edu.
authors.forename: Kathy
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Berra
authors.affiliation: Preventive Cardiology & Cardiac Rehabilitation, William Beaumont Hospital Royal Oak, MI, USA; Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Rochester, MI, USA.
authors.forename: Barry
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Franklin
authors.affiliation: NHLI Imperial College London, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Catriona
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Jennings
mesh_terms: D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D003256:Community Participation / Q000379:methods*; D015438:Health Behavior / Q000502:physiology; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration; D000070497:Healthy Lifestyle / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style
keywords: Cardiac rehabilitation; Cardiovascular prevention; Cardiovascular risk factor; Community healthcare; Lifestyle