May 23, 2019
In an effort to educate the community about the risks associated with heart failure, Sheridan Memorial Hospital will hold a series of education sessions and free screenings for the public. This education includes risk factors that lead to heart failure, how to manage the complexities of Heart Failure and other associated diseases, and the lifestyle modifications needed to optimize one’s health status.
According to Kristi Ramsey, Cath Lab Manager, SMH will have sessions in June, August, and October.
“This is one way we can reach out and offer education on these topics,” Ramsey said. “This is for the entire community.”
The next education session, which will be offered Tuesday, June 4 from 7 am to 1 pm in Conference Room B at SMH (adjacent to the SMH cafeteria), will focus on diabetes.
“We will offer free blood glucose screenings with immediate results and the opportunity to visit with our staff about healthy eating tips to lower blood glucose and how to limit sodium intake,” Ramsey added.
Heart Failure Education Sessions for 2019
June 4 Diabetes: Free blood glucose screenings – Education on healthy eating and lifestyle modifications on how to limit sodium intake
August 6 Know Your Numbers: Free blood pressure screenings – Education on heart failure and how it is diagnosed and lifestyle modification of how to lower stress
October 8 BMI: Free Body Mass Index (BMI) screenings – Education on weight management and lifestyle modification on setting goals to get active
The education sessions are also part of a year-long effort by SMH to gain a Center of Excellence in Heart Failure Care accreditation from the American College of Cardiology (ACC).
“By following the criteria for this accreditation, it will help us streamline our processes and build robust community education and outreach, resulting in decreased mortality rates for heart failure patients,” Ramsey explained. “The ACC wants communities and institutions to understand there are many other diseases that can lead to heart failure. That is why we have chosen these topics for the education sessions being offered this year.” The accreditation is for three years and covers the entire hospital.
“All nursing staff and physicians will be educated through this process in heart failure care,” Ramsey added.Quick Facts
– Heart failure is the leading cause of hospitalization for those over 65.
– 6 million people are diagnosed with heart failure every year in the US alone.
– Approximately 50% of those diagnosed will die within 5 years of their initial diagnosis.
For more details about these educational events and screenings, click HERE.