Education series on preventing stroke and heart disease returns

The Live and Learn patient education series presented by South West Health’s cardiovascular program begins Tuesday, Sept. 30. The session is from 2 to 4 p.m. and runs each Tuesday for four weeks. The session will be repeated in the evenings in the spring of 2009.

“This is the third year of the Live and Learn program which gives participants the information they need to make informed decisions about living the healthiest lives possible,” says Kelly Goudey, cardiovascular health coordinator.

“People with risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes will find these sessions helpful. They will learn how they can take steps to make changes in their lives to improve their health and to prevent stroke and heart disease.”

The Live and Learn sessions cover a variety of subjects including: understanding stroke and heart attack; causes, effects and risk factors; diagnostic tests; medications; nutrition; physical activity; sexual activity; driving; addictions; stress management; Emergency Health Services, and community resources. Each session has an education portion and a question period, and is interactive, informative and fun. Participants are able to set their own health goals to work towards throughout the sessions.

Most presentations will take place at Yarmouth Regional Hospital but will be broadcast live to Digby General Hospital and Roseway Hospital.

Participants can attend the course at their local hospital and view the session on a television monitor. They will be able to interact and ask questions.



The program starts Tuesday, September 30, with the following topics:



Session #1: Introduction; Goal setting; Your Head, Your Heart, Your health; Diagnostics



Session #2: Exercise & Activity; Striking a Balance



Session #3: Medications; Smoking, Alcohol & Drug Use



Session #4: Nutrition; Community resources; EHS

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To register for the Live and Learn session call 902-742-3542 ext. 460.