The effect of dietary and lifestyle coaching on commitment to change health risk behaviors among participants with cardiovascular and respiratory diseases

The two most common health conditions that affect adults in the United States (U.S.) are cardiovascular and respiratory diseases (CRDs), and they are the leading causes of disability and death. CRDs cause numerous adverse health outcomes, negatively affect quality of life, increase healthcare needs, decrease productivity, and result in higher medical costs. Behaviors that increase an individual's risk of poor health include poor dietary habits, smoking, sedentary lifestyle, excessive alcohol intake, lack of sleep, and stress. All have been associated with chronic diseases as a result of the elevation of plasma homocysteine levels among other things. Improving overall health and quality of life through behavioral change is the optimal disease management in the primary care setting. Addressing such modifiable risk factors is an important part of disease management and vital for overall health. This translational research project evaluates the effectiveness of a coaching session that promotes healthy dietary and lifestyle changes, targeting adults with CRDs at 2 different clinical sites. The aims of the coaching session were to encourage commitment to dietary and lifestyle changes that may enhance participants' knowledge and health. Adults with CRDs aged 20 to 70 years were recruited from 2 clinic sites of Heritage Victor Valley Medical Group (HVVMG), 40 from each clinic (i.e., Big Bear and Victorville). Participants were coached for 1 hour on healthy diets and lifestyles. Participants' commitment and plan to adopt a healthy diet and lifestyle choices were evaluated after the coaching session. A pre session questionnaire detailing their current health behaviors and post session survey were administered to assess participants' subsequent commitment and plan to adopt a healthy diet and lifestyle. Data were analyzed to compare outcomes between groups with t test for interval and continuous variables, as well as chi-square categorical variables. Effecting healthy diets and lifestyles is imperative to prevent complications and worsening of the inflammatory process in many chronic diseases. Through the adoption of a healthy diet and lifestyle, "population resilience" can be realized as the ultimate platform for population health.