As part of its outreach efforts, Ellwood City Medical Center will be hosting “Kidney Smart Classes.”
Victoria Gatto, the center’s marketing manager, said this is just one of the programs being offered to help the hospital connect with the community.
“At Ellwood City Medical Center we want to provide health education to community members to be able to take charge of their health, whether it be preventative or disease management,” Gatto said.
During the class, the following topics will be explored:
- What causes chronic kidney disease {CKD) and how can it be delayed?
- What is a kidney friendly diet and what information is available to help make the right food choices at home and while dining out?
- What actions can be taken to lower blood pressure. manage blood sugar and make simple lifestyle changes?
- How can medication management help lead to better kidney health?
- How does continuing to work and having insurance coverage help with quality of life?
- What treatment options are available that can fit a variety of work and lifestyle needs (including dialysis performed during the day or night at home or in a clinic)?
- How does the transplant process work, who can receive this treatment, and how may it lead to better health?
“Attending a Kidney Smart Class will provide you with information on how to prevent or manage kidney disease issues,” Gatto said. “It is not Only for those diagnosed with kidney disease, but for those with precipitating factors such as being overweight, having high blood pressure, taking blood pressure medications, being diabetic, having heart disease, being over 60 and at risk for heart disease, and being African American, Asian, Native American, or Hispanic.”
Classes will be held in the Ellwood City Medical Center’s Basement Dining Room, 724 Pershing Street
On April 29, June 24, August 26, and October 28. All classes begin at 1 p.m. They are open to the public.
“We want to equip people with the tools to manage their own health,” Gatto said.
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