Previous themed health topics on breast cancer awareness and winter wellness as part of this bimonthly series found community members responding favorably according to Diane Van Auker, CHF project coordinator.
“We’re excited to do this again. This has been a popular and effective way to communicate with the public based on seasons,” she said. “For heart health, there’s a nice connection with subjects like love and the effects of stress on the heart.”
Discussion topics will include heart disease and early detection and prevention; eating for a healthy heart; the importance of social connections in maintaining a healthy heart; healthy relationships; and the impact of stress on heart health and ways to manage it.
“We’re really going to connect these dots during our program,” said Van Auker.
Guest panelists will include local heart surgeon Dr. Surender Neravetla; dietician Jackie Dahlberg; sports medicine and rehabilitation specialist Bobby Parrett; and Richele Shepard, executive director of WellSpring. Nettie Carter-Smith will return as moderator.
The program will be interactive and participants can ask questions and receive answers in real time or the questions will be followed up with afterward if not during the program, Van Auker said.
She added that Break for Health will likely continue in some form in the future as long as the community responds. Possibilities include a trivia contest or maybe even a live event in the summer depending on how safely programs can be presented.
To register for the “Matters of the Heart program, go to CHF’s website or email Joan Elder at jelder@mercy.com. Registrants will also be entered into a drawing for door prizes.
About the Author