Would you hire a Heart Coach?

We already know heart disease is our nation's most devastating illness, in terms of human suffering and financial cost. And we are already familiar with the causes over which we have some control--behavioral choices such as high cholesterol diets, being overweight, lack of exercise, smoking and stress.

But when it comes to reducing our risks, many of us struggle.

I recently came across something that could potentially help: HeartCoaches.

This is a group of specially trained behavior-change practitioners, with backgrounds in health care, who work with people who have heart disease or risk factors for heart disease.

"Research has shown that when diagnostic assessments are combined with behavior-focused training and effective coaching, people can acquire new behavioral skills that prevent, halt and even reverse the effects of heart disease," says Paul Nelson, a Harvard-trained behavioral specialist and founding director of Heart Coaches.

The initial consultation is free, and done in person. After that, contact is via email and telephone. Coaches tailor behavior-change interventions to the individual. For now, private sessions are only available in the greater Boston area. But HeartCoaches is offering a 6-week "introductory" program that lets you try it out for $298. You get six 90-minute weekly sessions, conducted by phone. Interested? Call 1-888-430-4469 for details, or visit www.heartcoaches.com