ValueOptions has launched an integrated cardiovascular/behavioral health initiative for its clients. The program includes information, guidance and tools for applying a behavioral approach to preventing and managing heart disease, the No 1. killer of Americans and a leading cause of disability.

“ValueOptions has unparalleled expertise in understanding human behavior and helping individuals modify their behavior,” says Christopher Dennis, MD, MBA, vice president and medical/clinical director of ValueOptions’ New York City service center and member of the initiative’s development team. “Every day, we help individuals improve their emotional and psychological health. By supporting individuals in their efforts to prevent or manage heart disease, we can improve their heart health as well.”

The tremendous human and fiscal costs associated with heart disease make it a primary target for health plan and worksite interventions. Because the relationship between heart disease and mental health is clear, the key to this program intervention is recognition of the clear connection between emotion, behavior, coping strategies and cardiovascular health. The ValueOptions program not only helps individuals identify the behaviors that need to be changed, but also provides specific tools to help individuals mobilize and make healthy behavioral changes.

The link between the heart and mind

Research has shown that people with heart problems, are more likely to suffer from depression than otherwise healthy people. Conversely, people with depression are at greater risk for developing heart disease. 

The good news is that for many people, heart disease is a preventable illness. For those individuals at risk or diagnosed with coronary heart disease (CHD), there are many lifestyle changes and medications that can effectively control the progression of this disease.

While following a doctor’s treatment plan and engaging in a healthy lifestyle are important to maintaining a healthy heart, we realize that knowing these things and putting them into practice are far different. Doing so requires a comprehensive framework that enables an individual to select the type of support strategies that are most compatible with his or her personality and values. We also are keenly aware of the importance of addressing the behavioral health issues—such as depression, anxiety and chronic stress—that often are silent contributors to CHD.

The initiative components

Components of the initiative include:

• A CD full of reproducible information, guidelines and tools that explore the relationship between heart health and mental health and support program administrators in their efforts to enlist the support of key internal stakeholders, develop an integrated program, and communicate with employees or benefit plan members.

• Training for ValueOptions’ clinical care management staff and network provider and affiliates, to strengthen their knowledge about the relationship between cardiovascular health and behavioral health.

• A teleconference with client organizations to review the relationship between heart health and mental health and discuss strategies for developing an integrated program. (See related article, “Client Summit Focuses on Client Cardiovascular Wellness Initiatives.”)

As your health and performance partner, ValueOptions stands ready to help improve the cardiovascular health of your organization’s population. Our services and communication materials can stand alone or integrate easily with your existing programs. Together, we can achieve meaningful results that benefit your employees or members—and your overall organization.

Please contact your ValueOptions account executive for more information and consultation. The toolkit can be viewed at http://valueoptions.com/spotlight_heart/html/pages/index.htm.