skyland Trail
Atlanta, GA

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Skyland Trail
Pilots Healthy Challenge Program

In 2013 Skyland Trail launched a pilot study of the Healthy Challenge Program. This evidence-based program is designed to delay, stabilize or reverse indicators of cardiometabolic syndrome. Cardiometabolic syndrome is a constellation of symptoms including high body mass index and elevated cholesterol, triglycerides, blood pressure and glucose levels.

While Skyland Trail already integrates primary care and wellness into all clients' treatment, the Healthy Challenge Program provides an additional layer of program offerings to clients who are especially at risk for developing cardiometabolic syndrome. The program has a heavy emphasis on self-directed behavior as clients move through continuum of care.

"We are excited to launch an exciting expansion of our services focused on encouraging healthy lifestyles and preventing cardiometabolic syndrome," states Ray Kotwicki, MD, MPH, chief medical officer.

Program components include: personal training; adhering to a low-carbohydrate, high lean-protein diet; psychoeducation; and regularly monitoring physiologic indices such as BMI, blood glucose, physical activity, and LDL/HDL. Additional program features include: medication treatment of insulin resistance and/or hyperglycemia and meditation and relaxation activities, including yoga and compassion meditation.

During this pilot phase, Skyland Trail clients taking a mood stabilizer/atypical antipsychotic are eligible for this program. Clients must commit to wearing an activity monitor that tracks daily activity, having a low-carb diet, tracking diet, and working with a personal trainer. Clients not taking atypicals and mood stabilizers, who have an eating disorder, who are not cleared for moderate to strenuous physical activity, and other conditions are not eligible.

Skyland Trail is a nonprofit mental health treatment organization serving adults ages 18 and older.