Foundation event to focus on comprehensive Richmond County heart care

ROCKINGHAM – Chances are that you’ve read the statistics about heart disease. You may even know someone who has been diagnosed.

But do you really have all of the facts you need to protect yourself?
  
You can find out on Feb. 21, by joining physicians from Richmond and Moore counties for a special education session called “Taking Care of Your Heart.” Sponsored by the FirstHealth Richmond Memorial Hospital Foundation, the event will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the cafeteria at FirstHealth Richmond Memorial Hospital. Dinner will be provided.

Heart disease is the number one killer in Richmond County, affecting both men and women. But what exactly is heart disease? Are there certain signs or symptoms? How is it treated and can it be prevented?

During a panel discussion, medical professionals will provide information on the warning signs of heart disease as well as options for treatment. A question-and-answer session will follow the formal program. 

Panelists will include:

Both Dr. Lingler and Dr. Alexander say they welcome the opportunity to talk about their role in the diagnosis of heart disease. As primary care providers, they spend a good deal of time educating the community.

“As primary care providers, our role is, in large part, to educate the community about prevention and to help identify the early warning signs that could signal cardiac illness,” Dr. Lingler says. “When cardiac issues have been identified, the excellent combination of primary care providers, cardiac specialists and centers such as the Reid Heart Center give the patients of this community access to top-notch care. The program on Feb. 21 is a fantastic opportunity for this community to learn about this.”

Dr. Alexander agrees.

“The focus of primary care physicians in cardiovascular disease is to have a coordinated effort with cardiac specialists to provide comprehensive care for the patients of this community,” he says. “This patient-centered team approach is necessary to combat cardiac illnesses, which are a significant cause of death and disability. The upcoming Foundation-sponsored program gives us, as physicians, a great opportunity to educate the public, answer their questions and provide them with a variety of resources that are available to them right here in the community,”

The “Taking Care of Your Heart” presentation will highlight the unique working relationship between medical professionals at FirstHealth Richmond Memorial Hospital and surgical specialists with FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital, a commitment to teamwork that gives Richmond County residents access to the highest quality of cardiac care available in the region – care that begins in Richmond County.

“Physicians at Richmond Memorial work together to provide local heart care, and then, if it becomes necessary, patients can be referred to the Reid Heart Center in Pinehurst,” says Dr. Krahnert. “This new center offers state-of-the-art technology and cutting-edge therapeutic techniques. Most importantly, however, it represents a new concept in patient- and family-centered care. The Reid Heart Center embodies a better way to care for people, raising the bar on quality, safety and customer service.”

Ed Taylor, vice chair of the FirstHealth Richmond Memorial Hospital Foundation, will moderate the discussion. “It is our privilege to offer this special educational opportunity for the people of Richmond County,” he says. “Reaching out with important information to encourage healthier lifestyles and early treatment is another way we help care for the people and the communities of the mid-Carolinas.”

For more information about the “Taking Care of Your Heart” event or to register to attend the program, call (910) 417-3701.

FirstHealth Richmond Memorial Hospital is a division of FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital.