Women's heart forum at Memorial Medical Center

[May 07, 2012]  SPRINGFIELD -- Area women are invited to hear from experts in the field of heart failure prevention and management at this year's Celebrate the Heart of a Woman forum. The program, "Strengthen the Heart of a Woman," will be at 6 p.m. May 15 in the Wedeberg Conference Center at Memorial Medical Center. The free, two-hour event is open to the public.

Heart disease, while often thought of as a health-related issue more common in men, is the No. 1 killer of women in the United States, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Those in attendance will learn about prevention, diagnosis and treatment of heart failure, and how to keep your heart strong and healthy. Topics include heart failure and prevention, heart failure diagnostic approaches and treatment, and managing salt in your diet.

The speakers are Marilyn Prasun, coordinator of the Memorial Heart Failure Clinic; John E. Nester, M.D., Springfield Clinic cardiologist; and Becky Smith, lead clinical dietitian with Memorial Medical Center.

Light refreshments will be served, and the event will conclude at 8 p.m.

Memorial Medical Center is at 701 N. First St. in Springfield. The Wedeberg Conference Center is on the hospital's lower level, near its main entrance.

Parking is available in the hospital's visitor parking lots across from the main entrance at Miller and First streets. Valet parking is also available.

To register, visit MemorialMedical.com or call Memorial's Healthline at 217-788-3333.

[Text from file received from Memorial Medical Center]