Free Half-Day Women’s HeartAdvantage Workshops Slated Sept. 30

DANBURY — Understanding cholesterol numbers, learning about a heart-healthy diet, recognizing how stress affects one’s heart and other topics will be discussed by Danbury Hospital experts at a special seminar for women, Saturday, September 30, 8:30 am to 12:30 pm, at the hospital’s John C. Creasy Auditorium, 24 Hospital Avenue. A light breakfast, snack, and lunch are included.

“Getting to the Heart of the Matter” is presented by the Women’s HeartAdvantage Program at Danbury Hospital, with special sponsorship by Pitney Bowes.

The free half-day seminar includes presentations on women and heart disease, interpreting your numbers, diet and nutrition, cardiovascular fitness, smoking cessation, understanding stress and complementary medicine.

Directed by cardiologist Susan Mani, MD, the Women’s HeartAdvantage is a comprehensive outreach, education, and screening initiative to address the unique needs of women with respect to cardiovascular disease. Made possible by a $100,000 gift from John and Joanne Patrick of Ridgefield, the program focuses on early detection, risk reduction, and rehabilitation for cardiovascular disease in women.

According to Dr Mani, women present with cardiovascular disease in ways that are different than men, and many do not have the classic symptoms of heart problems. This seminar will help women and their families better understand how cardiovascular disease might affect them and identify ways to reduce their risk factors.

To register for this free seminar, call 866-374-0007.             

In a related report, Danbury Hospital recently announced the launch of its Cardiac Support Group at Danbury Hospital, a new group for people who have had a heart attack or heart surgery, or who suffer from angina or other heart-related problems.

The group gathers for its first meeting Wednesday, September 6, at 11:30 am and 6 pm, at Danbury Hospital’s John C. Creasy Auditorium. Patients and families are welcome to attend either session.

According to Andrew M. Keller, MD, chief of cardiology and medical executive of the hospital’s Cardiovascular Service Line, the group is designed to fill a need in the community for patients to share feelings and concerns with others who understand what they are going through. Heart health concerns and problems can be very unsettling for patients and families, and a safe environment for discussion will often help, according to Dr Keller.

Medical and nursing staff from the Praxair Regional Heart and Vascular Center, including experts in cardiac rehabilitation and cardiothoracic surgery, will be on hand at this first meeting to discuss the goals of the group and answer questions. From there, patients and their families will be asked for input on how the group might best meet their needs going forward.

For additional information, call Danbury Hospital weekdays at 797-7142.