‘Learn to be Heart Smart’ Seminar Set For April 20

Continuing its effort to educate the community on health-related matters, the Bothwell Foundation’s Community Relations committee will host a free Learn to be Heart Smart seminar at 6:30 p.m., April 20 in the Bothwell Regional Health Center Education Center Auditorium.

Speakers include Dr. Henry Marquez with Missouri Heart Center-Sedalia; Angela Kammeyer, Bothwell dietitian and diabetes educator; Kathy Woolery, Bothwell cardiac rehab nurse and diabetes educator; and Rick Schlesselman, Bothwell Foundation board member, Lub Dub race director and heart attack survivor.

Marquez, a board-certified cardiologist, cares for area patients in clinic and performs heart procedures at Bothwell Hospital. He will speak about the differences between cardiac arrest and heart attacks. Kammeyer and Woolery will focus on the importance of nutrition and exercise to heart health, and Schlesselman will share his personal experience of having a heart attack at an early age.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death for men, women, and people of most racial and ethnic groups in the United States, and in 2020 about one in every five deaths was from heart disease.

Cliff Callis, Community Relations chair, said the seminar promises to be interesting and engaging for people of all ages about an important health topic.

“Dr. Marquez is a well-known and respected cardiologist and we’re excited to have him available to share his knowledge and expertise,” he said. “People will also be able to learn about the heart-related health services offered at Bothwell Hospital and hear Rick’s moving story about surviving a heart attack in his early 30s."

Seating is limited and people interested in attending the free seminar should register by April 15 by contacting Lauren Thiel-Payne, Bothwell Foundation executive director, at lthiel@brhc.org or 660-829-7786. The Bothwell Education Center is located at 600 E. 14th Street, and complimentary refreshments will be provided.

The Community Relations committee is planning future seminars including one in Sedalia and Warsaw about navigating Medicare. The committee is also organizing behind-the-scenes tours of Bothwell Hospital. Those interested in tours should contact Thiel-Payne.