A team from Morris Hospital will host a free educational program for individuals diagnosed with congestive heart failure and their family members from noon to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 7, in Whitman Assembly Room 1 at Morris Hospital. Dr. David Vermillion, internal medicine physician, is the featured speaker. Lunch will be provided.
Heart failure is a chronic condition that means the heart is working inefficiently or pumping too weakly.
While the condition can’t be reversed, proper treatment and lifestyle changes can slow the advance of the condition and help people with heart failure feel better, remain active, avoid hospitalization, and live longer.
At the Nov. 7 program, Dr. Vermillion will focus on the best ways to manage congestive heart failure, how to recognize that heart failure may be worsening, what to do in emergencies, community resources available to help manage the condition, and why it’s important to schedule follow up appointments with a physician. A dietician, pharmacist, and physical therapist will also be present to provide additional education.
The program is part of Morris Hospital’s ongoing mission to reduce readmissions to the hospital, with heart failure topping the list as the No. 1 cause of hospitalization and readmission for people over age 65.
In addition to providing community education through public forums, Morris Hospital has been providing educational information and post-discharge follow-up for inpatients with a diagnosis of heart failure through participation in a nationwide movement called Project RED (Re-Engineered Discharge). The goal is to reduce the number of heart failure patients readmitted within 30 days of discharge by teaching them how to take care of themselves at home.
Reservations for the Nov. 7 program can be made online at www.morrishospital.org or by calling (815) 416-6089.
Support programs available for cancer patients
The Radiation Therapy Center of Morris Hospital is hosting the “I Can Cope” Cancer Support Group from 4-6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 8 from at the Morris Regional Oncology Center, 1600 W. U.S. 6 in Morris.
The topic of discussion is “Exploring Self-Esteem and Intimacy” with a focus on helping individuals with a diagnosis of cancer identify ways to affirm themselves.
“I Can Cope” is an American Cancer Society support group for individuals facing cancer either personally, or as a friend or caregiver.
The sessions are intended to help dispel cancer myths by presenting straightforward information and answers to cancer-related questions in a supportive atmosphere where individuals with cancer and their caregivers, family and friends can share their concerns and experiences with others who are in similar situations.
Registration is requested by going to www.morrishospital.org/events or by calling the Radiation Therapy Center of Morris Hospital at (815) 364-8915.
