Penn State Heart and Vascular Institute, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, will cohost the Fourth Regional Heart Failure Symposium, "In the Know: Living with Heart Failure," from 8:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 5, in the University Fitness Center multipurpose room on the Medical Center campus.
The daylong symposium, a collaboration of Penn State Heart and Vascular Institute, Associated Cardiologists P.C., Lebanon Cardiology Associates P.C. and Moffitt Heart and Vascular Group, is for patients and families living with or caring for someone diagnosed with heart failure. Medical experts at the symposium will share information about the latest treatments and available therapies, as well as lifestyle recommendations, including what heart failure patients can do to live better and more active lives. Local patients and their family members will share personal experiences on dealing with the disease.
"It is important for people living with heart failure and their caregivers to be actively involved in management of the disease," said John Boehmer, professor of medicine and surgery, Penn State College of Medicine, Penn State Hershey Medical Center and physician coordinator of the symposium. "There is much to know about heart failure and there is rarely enough time to review all the information needed during routine medical visits. The symposium is an opportunity to learn much of what is needed to be an active participant in the management of heart failure."
Topics of interest to be presented by physicians, dietitians and registered nurses include:
-- "Congestive Heart Failure-Causes and Association to Sudden Death";
-- "Treatment Options for Heart Failure";
-- "The Emotional Journey of Living with a Chronic Illness";
-- "Strategies to Manage Heart Failure";
-- "Implantable Defibrillators-Quality of Life Impact":
-- "Doctor, Why Do I Have to Take So Many Pills?"; and
-- "Season to Your Heart's Delight."
Penn State Heart and Vascular Institute, Associated Cardiologists P.C., Lebanon Cardiology Associates P.C. and Moffitt Heart and Vascular Group share resources and expertise to provide advanced cardiac care to patients in central Pennsylvania.
The fee for this program is $10 per person or $15 per family group of two. Included are continental breakfast, lunch, break refreshments and program materials. For information or to register, call the Medical Center's 24-hour CareLine at (800) 243-1455.