Over 100 people attended popular education event
Over 100 people were in attendance at Carthage Area Hospital’s Annual Heart Luncheon hosted on Wednesday, February 20th, 2019 at the Carthage Elks Lodge. Attendees listened to longtime Cardiologist, Dr. Mirza Ashraf discuss the impact of heart disease while enjoying a heart-healthy lunch.
Dr. Ashraf filled the Elks Club on Wednesday with many of his patients in attendance. Each February, the hospital hosts its Annual Heart Luncheon where health care experts explain and expand upon various topics related to heart health.
This year, Dr. Ashraf focused on prevention and reversal of heart disease, the impact of diabetes, identification of heart attack symptoms, high blood pressure, and more. Following his presentation, there was a panel discussion with Clinical Pharmacist, Christopher Bradley; Registered Dietician and Certified Diabetes Educator, Carly Draper; and Physical Therapist, Cheryl Tousant. Attendees were able to ask heart-related questions from the experts themselves.
In addition to the overall presentation and panel, there were several other special guests in attendance that day. Prior to the luncheon, Stacy Spaziani from the American Heart Association had a table set up with a myriad of information related to heart health. She discussed the upcoming North Country Heart Walk scheduled for Saturday, April 27th in which Carthage Area Hospital is a sponsor.
Nurse Education Coordinator, Jesica Nichols, RN brought twelve new manikins purchased with a grant received from the Northern New York Community Foundation. According to the American Heart Association (AHA) standards effective January 2019, Basic Life Support classes, among others, require “feedback devices” in conjunction with the use of manikins. These devices provide feedback to a student regarding proper techniques i.e. suitable compression depth and rate for chest compressions, incomplete release etc. Nichols demonstrated how the feedback was crucial in determining the pace and how deep the compressions needed to be in order to save a life.
(Pictured left to right:
Max DelSignore, Northern New York Community Foundation; Jesica Nichols, RN, Nurse Education Coordinator, Carthage Area Hospital; Natalie Burnham, Chief Operating Officer, Carthage Area Hospital.)