Willis-Knighton and The Oaks of Louisiana
Supporting the health and wellness of our community through education
Health Highlight
Willis-Knighton Heart & Vascular Institute Celebrate Strides in Fighting Heart Disease
By Louise Cook
When Heart Month arrives each Feb., it elicits big smiles from the doctors and staff at the Willis-Knighton Heart & Vascular Institute as they reflect on the great strides they have made in the treatment of cardiovascular disease. One major celebration this year is a first anniversary event honoring patients who have received transcutaneous aortic valve replacement (TAVR).
TAVR was added last year as an option for some patients diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis, a condition which affects the aortic valve and limits the flow of blood from the lungs to the brain and the rest of the body. It may cause shortness of breath and extreme fatigue and can be debilitating. Patients, referring doctors and the physicians and staff of the institute will celebrate with a luncheon for TAVR patients and their caregivers. It’s a true joy to see the quality of life patients gain from this procedure. “We can offer this and other complex procedures, thanks to the skilled cardiologists, surgeons, staff and to the hybrid surgical suite, the only one of its kind in the region,” says Kathy Walker, director of the Heart & Vascular Institute. “Cardiologists and surgeons work together with an array of high-tech equipment.” The addition of this state-of-the-art hybrid suite, creation of a valve clinic for patients with heart valve problems and a focus on seeking newer and better ways to treat cardiovascular disease have allowed the Heart & Vascular Institute to expand. “We are now offering the kind of services you might have to travel to a major city to find,” Walker says. “It’s
We can offer this and other complex procedures, amazing when you look back and realize how effective we are today when treating cardiovascular problems.” Last year the institute added an LVAD program. LVAD refers to “left ventricular assist device.” This device is used to provide circulatory support for patients with advanced heart failure while they wait for a heart transplant. This month, an LVAD support group is being initiated at Willis-Knighton, rounding out the reasons to smile and celebrate the strides made in fighting heart disease.
Heart to Heart – Women’s Cardiovascular Support Group
For women with cardiovascular illness. Guest Speakers: Merikay Ringer, PhD, or Susan Miller, spokespersons from WomenHeart, The National Coalition of Women with Heart Disease.
FREE. Reservations requested.
Thursday, Feb. 6, Noon Facilitated by Dot Quigley, RN, Cardiac Rehabilitation nurse. Willis-Knighton Medical Center WK Health & Fitness Center, 2474 Greenwood Road
Thursday, Feb. 13, 11 a.m. Facilitated by Rhonda Curtis, RN, Cardiac Rehabilitation nurse WK Bossier Health Center WK Bossier Wellness Center, Cardiac Rehab Education Room, 2450 Hospital Drive
Tuesday, Feb. 18, Noon Facilitated by Rhonda Curtis, RN, Cardiac Rehabilitation nurse WK Pierremont Health Center 8001 Youree Drive, Room 203
Celebrate good health, come on!
Saturday, Feb. 22 10 a.m.
WK Pierremont Health Center 2nd floor auditorium, 8001 Youree Drive
WK Spirit of Women is dancing through the decades. Be part of the biggest dance party for better health in the United States. Bring your family and friends to dance, exercise and participate in health screenings. Get ready to jitterbug, twist and celebrate good times! This fitness party will incorporate songs from the 1940s through today while introducing a variety of dance exercises. Have fun while dancing to 80s hits, 90s hip-hop and Zumba Latin routines!
COST: Free for members, $5 for nonmembers Registration required. Call (318) 212-8225.
WKspirit.com
