UPDATE (03/24/20):

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the 'Ekahi Ornish program has been terminated. Please refer to button below to visit our 'Ekahi Wellness program.
Ekahi Wellness Program

For more information regarding our COVID-19 process and virtual visits, please scroll to the bottom of this page.*

Eat Better

Exercise More

Stress Less

Improve Relationships

Success Stories
Cora Dahilig
"I had a history of high blood pressure and high cholesterol, and I'd been on medications for several years. Within a week of being in the program my blood pressure was normal. I'd never had that before."
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Success Stories
Stephen Yoda
My triglycerides were 1304 - dead man walking. At the end of the program it was 165. Prior to the program I'd wake up in the morning, and I would still be tired. Now I feel refreshed when I wake up. I can't deny how I feel, both physically and mentally.
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Success Stories
Scott Fujieda
My triglycerides were off the charts - they dropped 300 points. My cholesterol was chopped in half from 230 to 90 or so. I think I had a total of 8 pills a day - that went down to zero. It dramatically changed how I perceive living a better quality of life.
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Here’s how it works…

Groups of up to 15 participants will attend 18 four-hour sessions over 9 weeks. Each session covers the following four elements:

Stress Management

Learn a range of techniques to relax, release stress, and react in healthier ways.

Exercise

Supervised aerobic exercise and strength training with telemetry monitoring.

Nutrition

Enjoy and discover nourishing, delicious, plant-based meals.

Group Support

Give and receive emotional support to help unlock the healing power of community.

Here’s how it works…

Groups of up to 15 participants will attend 18 four-hour sessions over 9 weeks. Each session covers the following four elements:

Stress Management

Learn a range of techniques to relax, release stress, and react in healthier ways.

Exercise

Supervised aerobic exercise and strength training with telemetry monitoring.

Nutrition

Enjoy and discover nourishing, delicious, plant-based meals.

Group Support

Give and receive emotional support to help unlock the healing power of community.

On average, patients at ‘Ekahi Ornish Lifestyle Medicine experience:

  • 9% decrease in blood pressure
  • 16% decrease in cholesterol
  • 7% decrease in body mass and BMI
  • 10% reduction in triglycerides
  • 9% decrease in HbA1c
  • 64% increase in exercise capacity

Commonly Asked Questions

What proof is there that the Ornish approach can reverse my heart disease?

More than 30 years of scientific research conducted by leading academic institutions using state-of-the-art measures showed that this program can often reverse the progression of even severe coronary heart disease. These studies were published in leading peer-reviewed medical journals, including the Journal of the American Medical Association, The Lancet, American Journal of Cardiology, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, and others.

The Ornish Reversal Program is basically common sense- why can’t a person just do this on their own?

True, the Ornish Reversal Program relies on advice that physicians will tell their patients—lower your fat intake, exercise, learn how to relax, and avoid stress. However, only the Ornish Reversal Program shows people how to make the comprehensive lifestyle changes required to bring this advice to their lives and make it work, day-in and day-out. The program teaches participants how to adhere to a diet that cuts fat intake, to exercise in ways that build strength and stamina without overtaxing them physically, to relax through specialized techniques, and to recognize and defuse stress. The Ornish team is truly the heart of the program as they offer support.

Why should someone participate when a bypass or angioplasty offers a faster solution?

A bypass or angioplasty is not an experience that people willingly undergo if there is a better alternative available. Secondly, in addition to the risks inherent in any surgical procedure, a bypass or angioplasty does not treat the underlying risk factors associated with heart disease — a diet high in fat, a sedentary lifestyle, or social isolation. If these root causes are not addressed, there is a significant chance that a bypass or angioplasty may turn out to be only a temporary solution. In fact, studies show that up to 50 percent of bypass recipients must undergo an additional bypass in five to seven years, while 30 to 50 percent of angioplasty recipients must repeat the procedure within six months. For people who are committed to changing their lives for the better and taking an active role in managing their own health, the Ornish Reversal Program can be the best decision they will ever make.

Will I still see my regular doctor?

Yes. Your doctor remains in charge of your care, including your medications. Program staff regularly communicates with your doctor so that you have a whole team working together for your care.

Is the Ornish Program a covered benefit of my insurance?

To determine whether or not the Ornish program is a covered benefit of your HMSA HMO, PPO, Advantage, Medicare, or other qualifying insurance plan, please contact our support specialists at 808-777-4001. Below are examples of estimated co-payments with qualifying insurance plans. The Ornish program consists of 18 4 hour sessions: HMSA HMO & PPO:

  • HMO: $20 co-pay per 4hr session
  • PPO: $30 co-pay per 4hr session *PPO plans have a higher copayment as they are subject to Hawaii State Tax. 

HMSA Medicare Advantage:

  • $20 co-pay per 4hr session

HMSA Fed 87:

  • no copayment per 4hr session

Medicare:

  • 20% copayment per 4hr session

UHA, HMA, United Healthcare, or other insurance provider:

  • Please contact us to determine if the Ornish program is a covered benefit of your insurance provider.

Am I eligible for the program?

If you have had a cardiac event or even have cardiac risk factors you may be eligible for this program.  Call us at (808) 777-4001 or email us at ornish@ekahihealth.com to learn more.

Are you ready?

We’ve helped over 1000 participants live happier, healthier lives. Your journey begins by talking with one of our specialists to talk about your goals and see if you qualify for the program. Are you ready to start your journey today?

CONTACT INFORMATION

‘Ekahi Health Center at Waterfront Plaza, 500 Ala Moana Blvd, Suite 6-D, Honolulu HI 96813

Phone: (808) 777-4001
Fax: (808) 447-0571

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Awareness

Due to the COVID-19 virus, we have suspended our physical visits and have moved to 100% virtual visits. For our current participants of the ‘Ekahi Ornish Program, we will be using Zoom. For folks that are current participants of our ‘Ekahi Diabetes Management Program, we are using InputHealth for individual sessions and Zoom for group sessions. Please see some of our resources and informational tutorials for more assistance.

Mahalo!

 

Click these button below for instructions on how to join your virtual visit.

For New Ornish Participants:

Please complete the following forms along with a copy of your photo ID and insurance card. We recommend you emailing your completed forms and then texting a copy of your photo ID and insurance card to one of these numbers:

Daniel – 808-829-8167

Shauna – 808-829-8193

Alex – 808-829-8210

 

Ornish Intake

Please complete for Ornish Intakes.

Informed Consent Form

Please complete for Ornish Intake. 

Email & Text Notifications

Please complete for Ornish Intake.