ROBERT WOOD JOHNSON UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL SOMERSET OFFERS FREE EDUCATION PROGRAMS ON HEART HEALTH IN FEBRUARY

Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset offers free community health education programs throughout the month of February focusing on heart health.

· “Breakfast with the Cardiologist: Is It Wise to Exercise A Troubled Heart?” will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 3 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Madeline’s in Bound Brook. Mark Lebenthal, MD, a cardiologist and internist with Robert Wood Johnson Physician Enterprise, Diane Rusay, RN, cardiac rehabilitation nurse at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset, and Gary Benedict, exercise physiologist at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset, will discuss the role of physical activity for heart health and particularly for those with congestive heart failure. Participants will learn about the causes of congestive heart failure, signs, the difference between right versus left sided congestive heart failure, triggers to prevent hospital admissions and the latest treatments, including Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset’s self-management programs for congestive heart failure and cardiac rehabilitation. A heart-healthy breakfast will be served. The event is free of charge. Pre-registration is required by calling 888-MD-RWJUH or visiting www.rwjuh.edu/events.

· Jeff Taylor, MD, a cardiologist at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset, will present “Know Your Numbers By Heart” on Wednesday, Feb. 4 from 10 to 11 a.m. at AMC Theatres at Bridgewater Commons. Dr. Taylor will discuss risk factors for heart disease, causes and prevention strategies, the importance of knowing your blood pressure, cholesterol levels and ejection fraction, the role ejection fraction plays in heart health, recent changes made to cholesterol ranges, diagnostic interventions and treatments. The event is the monthly health education program offered for participants in the HealthHike Walking program sponsored by the hospital and the mall. It is open to the community and is offered free of charge. Pre-registration is required by calling 888-MD-RWJUH or visiting www.rwjuh.edu/events.

· “From the MEGA Heart: A Look Inside Cardiovascular Health” will be held Thursday, Feb. 19 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Holiday Inn in Somerset. Rachana Kulkarni, MD, a cardiologist at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset, will discuss how to prevent various types of heart disease, their risk factors, symptoms, causes, the significance of atherosclerosis, diagnostic tools and treatment options. Participants will tour the MEGA Heart, a walk-through exhibit, to learn more about cardiovascular functions, explore the heart’s chambers and view cardiac conditions such as endocarditic infection, mitral valve prolapse and myocardial infarction. The event is free of charge. Pre-registration is required by calling 888-MD-RWJUH or visiting www.rwjuh.edu/events.