A Mediterranean Diet Nutrition Education Program for the Reduction of Cardiovascular Disease Risk in the Southeastern U.S.
A Mediterranean Diet Nutrition Education Program for the Reduction of Cardiovascular Disease Risk in the Southeastern U.S.
A 12-week, randomized nutrition intervention for the reduction of cardiovascular disease risk
 factors in a high-risk population in the southeastern United States. The primary objective of
 this pilot study was to assess the efficacy of a Mediterranean diet intervention (education +
 extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) and mixed nut supplementation) versus that of an American Heart
 Association (AHA) nutrition intervention (education) on serum blood lipid levels as markers
 for cardiovascular disease risk. Researchers conducting this trial hypothesize that a greater
 reduction will be seen in cardiovascular disease risk factors in the Mediterranean diet
 intervention.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Enrolled in Auburn University's health insurance program during the course of the
 study or a dependent of the enrollee during the course of the study

 -  BMI >24.9 (kg/m2)

 -  AND Meets two or more of the following

 -  Screening values classified in the "yellow" or "red" zone for:

 -  Systolic blood pressure (mmHg): Yellow zone: ≥140, Red zone: ≥160;

 -  Diastolic Blood pressure (mmHg): Yellow zone: ≥90, Red zone: ≥ 100;

 -  Fasting blood glucose (mm/dL): Yellow zone: ≥100, Red zone: ≥ 126

 -  Blood glucose (random) (mg/dL): Yellow zone: 140-200, Red zone > 200

 -  Total Cholesterol (mg/dL): Yellow zone: ≥200, red zone: ≥250

 -  Have a pre-existing diagnosis of hypertension, pre-diabetes, or hypercholesterolemia

 -  Current smoker (≥1 cigarette/day)

 -  Are: male (age: 55-80) or female (age: 60-80)

 -  A family history of premature coronary heart disease

 -  High risk ethnicity: Black, African American, American Indians/Alaska Natives,
 Non-Hispanic blacks, Mexican-Americans, Asian, Hispanic/Latino

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Minors that are less than 19 years of age

 -  Individuals who are not enrolled in the Auburn University health insurance program for
 the 2016 plan year at baseline and have not yet completed initial visit

 -  Individuals who have not completed their 2015 "Healthy Tigers" biometric screening
 between January 1st and December 31st, 2015 (these can be completed by the "Healthy
 Tigers" staff or by submitting a healthcare provider form from the individuals'
 physician to the "Healthy Tigers" office), unless enrolled in "TigerMeds".

 -  Individuals who are pregnant or who intend to become pregnant during the 12-week
 health and wellness challenge.

 -  Individuals who anticipate absence or travel throughout the study that would interfere
 with their ability to complete the analysis at the mid-point and end of challenge.

 -  Patients with a peanut, tree nut, or olive oil food allergy or intolerance.

 -  Patients who are unable or unwilling to travel to Auburn University main campus for
 live health and wellness challenge events, individual assessments, personal
 appointments, and pre- and post- data collection

 -  Individuals who have NOT been stabilized on medication to treat or manage high blood
 pressure, high cholesterol, dyslipidemia, or pre diabetes for at least 12 weeks prior
 to the study.

 -  Patients who do not have access to the internet and therefore unable to complete the
 education portion of the study

 -  Individuals who have a pacemaker

 -  Patients who decline participation during informed consent