Description of MINT TLC Intervention
The MINT-TLC intervention is based on established clinical practice guidelines for prevention and treatment of HTN [1], which recommend weight loss (if overweight), limiting sodium and alcohol intake, regular physical activity, and eating a low-fat diet that is rich in fruit and vegetables. Seniors attend weekly therapeutic lifestyle group classes for the first 12 weeks (intensive phase); followed by 3 individual motivational interview (MINT) sessions that occur monthly over the next three months (extended phase); and bi-monthly in the remaining six months (maintenance phase). The MINT-TLC sessions are conducted by trained RAs, and are aimed at helping seniors make useful therapeutic lifestyle changes (TLC) and develop skills to maintain these changes over the long-term. See Table 1 for content of the 12 weekly group classes. The methodology, structure and the content of the group classes is patterned after PREMIER and the Trial Of Nonpharmacologic interventions in the Elderly (TONE) [15], two major trials that have tested the efficacy of comprehensive TLC in hypertensive patients. PREMIER is a comprehensive multicomponent lifestyle program, which incorporates the DASH dietary pattern [10].