Methodist Hospitals of Dallas uses innovative program to help employees reduce
stress
The
January issue of Time magazine
featured an article on the connection
between a "frazzled mind and a weakened body." A recent New York Times commentary states that a shift to positive emotions
can help boost your immune system.
But, despite the evidence that
stress can prove to be unhealthy,
healthcare workers often find themselves
in the highest stress jobs.
Methodist Hospitals of Dallas is
breaking new ground among hospitals
by bringing HeartMath®,
an innovative stress-reduction program, to its employees. HeartMath uses practical
tools based on over a decade of scientific research to enhance the heart-brain
communication and coherence within individuals and organizations. The techniques
help to calm the heart and the rest of the body while increasing mental acuteness
and overall performance.
HeartMath is being tested with great success in the Level III neonatal intensive
care unit (NICU) and a telemetry transitional care unit at Methodist Medical
Center in Dallas--two units with exceptionally high stress levels. Shiella
DelaCruz, a nurse in the NICU, says that she noticed an immediate improvement
at work once she started using HeartMath. "I
feel much more relaxed and I have more energy," says Ms. DelaCruz. "I feel that I can give even better care to my patients."
Bruce Wilson, formerly Chief of Cardiology and Chairman, Medical Education
Committee, Columbia Hospital and currently a certified HeartMath trainer says, "HeartMath
has had a profound influence on the lives of patients, staff and administrators
in the healthcare industry. I have seen specific health problems such as hypertension
and arrhythmia improve in several of my own patients through interventions
with HeartMath tools."
"We want to help our employees learn how to better manage their stress," says
Kim Hollon, Executive Vice President of Methodist Hospitals of Dallas and Methodist
Medical Center. "In return, our employees' success in this program will help us reach our goals
of reduced sick-time; increased employee morale; more coherent communication;
optimal mental clarity and creativity; and ultimately greater patient satisfaction." Methodist Hospitals of Dallas currently boasts a 90% retention rate of its registered
nurses. In light of the current nationwide nursing shortage, implementing HeartMath
is a proactive strategy to help maintain Methodist's above-average retention
rate.
The HeartMath techniques help balance the production of Cortisol, known as
the stress hormone, and increase the production of DHEA, a positive hormone
that can slow the aging process. When people are under stress the body secretes
excessive amounts of Cortisol. Studies show that high levels of Cortisol increases
the risk of chronic diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension,
whereas DHEA enhances the immune system, lowers cholesterol levels and builds
muscle mass.
During the HeartMath class, participants learn the proper techniques and
use HeartMath's biofeedback software, called the Freeze-Framer, to monitor
their
heart rhythms and help them become more skillful at bringing their rhythms
into a balanced state. "I've
taught many classes on stress management where they tell you to think happy
thoughts, and that doesn't always work," says Dawn Sorenson, Vice-President of Organizational Effectiveness, who is responsible
for bringing HeartMath to Methodist Hospitals of Dallas. "HeartMath is different because you not only draw on a positive feeling experience,
but you also train your body to react the same way it did when you initially
had that experience." Another benefit of using HeartMath is increased energy. "Stress can make you tired," says Ms. Sorenson.
About HeartMath
The Institute of HeartMath was founded in 1991 by Doc Childre. The term HeartMath
was created by Childre to describe a system of practical tools that when sincerely
practiced, add-up to less stress and improved performance by enhancing heart-brain
communication and coherence within individuals and organizations. HeartMath
has been featured on ABC's World News Tonight with Peter Jennings, CNN Headline
News, NBC's Today Show, and ABC's Good Morning America.
About Methodist Hospitals of Dallas
Guided by the founding principles of life, learning, and compassion, Methodist
Hospitals of Dallas (MHD) uses some of the latest medical technology and research
to bring quality health care to individuals and families throughout North Texas.
Methodist Medical Center, Charlton Methodist Hospital, and four Methodist Family
Health Centers are part of the nonprofit Methodist Hospitals of Dallas (MHD)
system, which is affiliated by covenant with the North Texas Conference of
The United Methodist Church. Additional information is available at www.mhd.com.
Note to editors
Dawn Sorenson, Vice-President of Organizational Effectiveness, and other participants
in the HeartMath program are available for interviews.
Lynette Wilkinson, Public Relations Specialist
Direct (214) 947-7460
Public Relations office (214) 947-4600
Public Relations pager (972) 206-9485
lynettewilkinson@mhd.com
Gabriella "Gaby" Boehmer
PR Director
Telephone: (800) 450-9111, Ext. 710 (Toll-Free)
Telephone: (831) 338-8700, Ext. 710 (International)
E-Mail: gboehmer@heartmath.com