Local Cardiologist to speak on impact of heart disease, Clinical Panel discussion to follow
In celebration of Heart Health Month, Carthage Area Hospital kicks off its 2019 Community Engagement Series on Wednesday, Feb. 20, with its annual Heart Luncheon featuring local cardiologist, Dr. Mirza Ashraf, along with a clinical panel discussion.
The long held luncheon is scheduled from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the Carthage Elks Lodge, 511 Fulton St. The event is free and open to the public and includes a complimentary heart healthy lunch. Participants can enjoy a small health fair before and after the presentation to learn more about various topics and services related to heart health.
February is observed as National Heart Health Month. This observance helps raise awareness of heart disease. Every year about 735,000 Americans have a heart attack, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“Heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States,” said Dave Gunderson, Carthage Area Hospital care management program manager. “It’s our duty as a local health care provider to assist in the education and prevention of heart disease and other preventable diseases. This is an opportunity for our community to learn and ask questions from the experts themselves.”
Carthage Area Hospital’s Community Engagement Series began in 2017 as a way for local residents to connect with providers in a casual setting where people can comfortably ask questions and engage more completely with clinicians.
Dr. Mizra Ashraf, hospital Medical Director and Board-Certified Cardiologist will present “The Impact of Heart Disease.” A clinical panel will commence after Dr. Ashraf’s presentation where participants can ask heart-related questions. Panelists include Clinical Pharmacist, Christopher Bradley; Registered Dietician, Carly Draper; and Physical Therapist, Cheryl Tousant.
Space is limited. Call Dave Gunderson at 315-519-5214 or email dgunderson@cahny.org to reserve your seat today. You may also register online at www.carthagehospital.com/heartlunch. The deadline to RSVP is Friday, Feb. 15.
2019 Community Engagement Series Calendar of Events:
- February 20th – Annual Heart Luncheon 11:30am-1:30pm | Carthage Elks Lodge
- May 14th – Stroke Awareness Luncheon 11:30am-1:30pm | Carthage Elks Lodge
- June 22nd – Carthage Community Health Fair 10am-2pm | Carthage Park
- August 22nd – Healthy Babies, Healthy Moms Baby Shower 5:30pm-7:30pm | Carthage Hospital Courtyard
- October 16th – Think Pink Breast Cancer Luncheon 11:30am-1:30pm | Carthage Elks Lodge
- November 20th – Diabetes Luncheon 11:30am-1:30pm | Carthage Elks Lodge
Speaker Information:
Mizra Ashraf, M.D. — CAH Medical Director and Board-Certified Cardiologist
Bio: Dr. Mizra Ashraf is a doctor of internal medicine and cardiology who has practiced in Carthage since 1975, serving in private practice and in positions of increasing responsibility on the medical staff at Carthage Area Hospital. He was appointed Medical Director at the hospital in 1993. Dr. Ashraf completed undergraduate studies and medical school in Pakistan before an internship in Bronxville, N.Y., and a residency in internal medicine at the former St. Vincent’s Hospital, Staten Island. He later completed a cardiology fellowship at Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn. Dr. Ashraf is certified by the American Board of Cardiology, the American Board of Nuclear Cardiology and the American Board of Critical Care Medicine. He is a Fellow of the American College of Chest Physicians and a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology. He is also an assistant professor in the Department of Internal Medicine at SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse.
Christopher Bradley, PharmD, RPh, MBA — Clinical Pharmacist
Bio: Dr. Christopher Bradley is a Clinical Pharmacist at Carthage Area Hospital. A Watertown native, he joined the hospital team in 2015. He graduated with a Doctor of Pharmacy from Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in 2010 and earned a MBA from Endicott College, Beverly, Mass., in 2012. While a pharmacy student, he trained extensively at Albany Medical Center in various units. Before he joined the hospital team, Dr. Bradley worked in retail pharmacy. He specializes in antibiotic therapy, medication reconciliation, provider/patient education and new treatment guidelines. In his free time, he enjoys traveling and spending time with his wife and their two corgis.
Carly R. Draper, RD, CDN, CDE — Director of Nutrition Services and Certified Diabetes Educator
Bio: Carly R. Draper is a Registered Dietitian, Certified Dietitian / Nutritionist and Certified Diabetes Educator who joined Carthage Area Hospital’s Clinical Nutrition team in 2009. She graduated from the University of Vermont with a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics and Food Science. She completed an internship at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, Ga. Through her studies, and having lived in both urban and rural communities, she has developed a passion for nutrition education and improving the health and wellness of all patients. She lives in Watertown with her husband, Andrew, and two daughters.
Cheryl Tousant, PT, DPT – Doctor of Physical Therapy and Director of Physical Therapy
Bio: Cheryl Tousant, PT, DPT, is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and Director of Therapy Services at Carthage Area Hospital. She graduated from Clarkson University, Potsdam, N.Y., with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Doctor of Physical Therapy. She joined Carthage Area Hospital in 2009 and is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association. She is a Geriatric Certified Specialist and specializes in care for older adults (ages 65-plus), including interventions and education for fall risk reduction and reconditioning. She is an advocate for Evidence-Based Practice, which combines cutting edge assessments using standardized outcome-based measurements and functional interventions. She is a firm believer in patient-centred care.