Cardiologist Supports Nurses in Adopting Healthier Eating Habits and Self-Care

Nurses, who are responsible for caring for others' health, often neglect their own well-being. The demanding nature of their jobs, coupled with rotating shifts, can lead to increased stress and higher risks of cardiovascular problems and chronic illnesses such as obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Recognizing these challenges, cardiologist Indu Poornima from Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh launched a program aimed at cardiovascular disease prevention specifically for nurses.

The inspiration for this initiative came from a patient with coronary artery disease who adopted a plant-based diet and subsequently donated $100,000 to promote healthy eating among the hospital staff. This financial support helped establish the Cardiovascular Prevention Program at AHN, focusing on lifestyle changes with an emphasis on diet.

The comprehensive six-month program includes cooking demonstrations, virtual talks on topics like exercise, nutrition, stress reduction, smoking cessation, and sleep. Participants track their progress with food logs, pedometers, and enjoy a free one-year gym membership. Baseline medical assessments — measuring height, weight, BMI, blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and inflammatory markers — are conducted at the start and repeated after six months to evaluate improvements.

The program encourages personal goal-setting, allowing nurses to choose their own pace, such as increasing vegetarian meals. Although data collection continues, the program is not strictly research-oriented and does not enforce rigid milestones, recognizing that motivation varies among individuals.

During a recent group activity, nurses observed a demonstration by Chef Mario Aponte on preparing quick vegetable stir-fries. Many, like Kileigh Barnes, initially hesitant about vegetarianism, joined due to peer support. Others, like Cali Clark, transitioned gradually to plant-based eating, citing increased energy and better sleep as key benefits.

Participants also discuss the importance of stress management, acknowledging that job pressures often lead to neglecting personal health. To address this, the program integrates sessions on mindfulness and meditation.

Poornima emphasizes that education is crucial for sustainable change, providing nurses with the knowledge and motivation necessary for healthier lifestyles. She envisions the program as a model that could expand to more staff in the future, promoting overall wellness and disease prevention among healthcare professionals.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-cardiologist-nurses-healthier.html