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 organisations. 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 emWave, 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 organisational 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 organisations. 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 organisational Effectiveness, and other participants in the HeartMath program are available for interviews.

Contact:
Lynette Wilkinson, Public Relations Specialist
Direct (214) 947-7460
Public Relations office (214) 947-4600
Public Relations pager (972) 206-9485
lynettewilkinson@mhd.com

For Information
Telephone: (02) 9412 2500 (Australia)
Telephone: +61 2 9412 2500 (International)
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