Mahaska Health Partnership to offer Free Heart Failure Workshop

Lisa Nelson (photo submitted)

MAHASKA COUNTY – Mahaska Health Partnership is offering a Free Congestive Heart Failure Workshop on Saturday, March 17 from 9 am to Noon.

“Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Iowa,” MHP Adult Nurse Practitioner Lisa Nelson said. “This workshop is a great opportunity for people with heart disease or for those caring for someone with heart disease to learn simple changes that can enhance everyday life.”

According to the American Heart Association, Congestive Heart Failure means the heart is not pumping as well as it should be. “There is no cure for heart failure but medication and lifestyle changes can drastically improve your quality of life,” Nelson stressed.

People experiencing heart failure often experience shortness of breath, persistent coughing or wheezing, excess fluid build-up, fatigue, lack of appetite, confusion and an increased heart rate. However, there are many factors patients can control to reduce their symptoms and achieve a higher quality of life.

“During the Congestive Heart Failure Workshop, we’ll discuss behaviors that worsen a person’s symptoms and provide valuable education and tips,” Nelson explained.

Some of the lifestyle changes Nelson noted that can improve symptoms include quitting smoking, losing excess weight, eating a heart-healthy diet and being physically active. “MHP has many resources available to patients, including Registered Dietitian Lea Rice and Cardiac Rehab Registered Nurse Renee Edgar,” Nelson said. “Lea will cover proper food label reading, cooking tips and recipes for a low sodium diet and Renee will discuss cardiac rehab and exercise.”

The Free Congestive Heart Failure Workshop will be held on the MHP campus in Oskaloosa, entrance #3. Pre-registration is required by calling 641-672-3100.

For more information about how Mahaska Health Partnership is making healthcare personal, visit mahaskahealth.org.