‘Ekahi Ornish Experience

At ‘Ekahi Ornish Lifestyle Medicine, we’ve helped over 1000 participants live happier, healthier lives. Your journey begins with selecting from our broad range of cohort times – with evening and weekend options to suit your schedule. Each cohort meets twice a week for nine weeks, for four hours at a time. The four hours are broken into four equally weighted elements: exercise, stress management, group support, and nutrition.

Healthier Together

The toughest thing about making lifestyle changes is having to do them by yourself. Each cohort consists of up to 15 people – creating a support network of individuals with like-minded goals. Cohorts are encouraged to continue to meet up together long after graduation, and become lifelong resources for each other in their continued journey to wellness! Our trained professionals ensure that each participant’s unique needs are met to help everyone achieve their goals, and that you’ll have plenty of time to ask questions and learn about the program.

When I come to the Alumni Program and practice stress management with ‘Ekahi instructors, I get an even higher high. There is a real benefit to doing these things in a group. I try to come as often as I can. – Inder, ‘Ekahi Ornish Graduate

The Four Elements

We’ve all known somebody that’s tried to make tough lifestyle changes by starting an intense workout routine or a restrictive diet. But years of research by Dr. Dean Ornish at the Preventative Medicine Institute showed that participants succeeded the most when they were offered a more holistic and balanced approach to wellness – one that involved nutrition and exercise, but also incorporated stress management and group support. At ‘Ekahi Ornish Lifestyle Medicine, we’re proud offer all four of these elements in a safe, welcoming environment. It’s why 87.9% of Ornish graduates continue to see improvements in their numbers one year after graduation – higher than traditional medicine.*

Love & Support

Manage Your Stress

Move More

Browse Healthy Recipes

DISCOVER MORE

Watch the Video
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.
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* For more information visit https://www.ornish.com/undo-it/