Healthy Eating and Stress Reduction Techniques Topic of UPMC Program

For those wishing to learn the principles of healthy eating and ways to reduce stress, the Center for Integrative Medicine (CIM) at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) is offering a series of classes to help.

The Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies classes begin March 20. Participants can choose between two class times: 12 to 1 p.m. or 5:30 to 7 p.m., every Thursday for eight weeks through May 8. Classes will be held at the CIM, located at Shadyside Place, Suite 310, 580 S. Aiken Ave., Shadyside.

Tuition for the program is $80 and pre-registration is required. There will be a registration and orientation session Thursday, March 13 at noon and again at 5 p.m. at the CIM for those interested in learning more.

The eight-week program will educate participants in nutrition and healthy eating choices and will teach the gentle stretches of yoga and other ways to reduce stress. The class is suitable for anyone with metabolic syndrome, diabetes and high-blood pressure, those who are at risk for heart disease or stroke and for those who want to learn more about how to relax and enjoy food in a healthy way.

“Those who wish to learn more about healthy eating habits to stave off disease and specific exercises to reduce the stress in their lives can benefit from this program,” said Sharon Plank, M.D., instructor of the Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies program and integrative medicine physician at the CIM. “For many people who already have diabetes, high blood pressure and metabolic syndrome, or those who are at risk, learning these techniques is a way to improve their quality of life by teaching them ways to reduce the impact of disease.”

The Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies program is funded by the Shadyside Foundation.

The CIM is dedicated to clinical services, education and research on an evolving form of health care where disease prevention, practitioner/patient partnership and the evidence-based application of non-conventional treatment strategies are explored in collaboration with conventional medical practices.