Stony Brook Medicine is dedicated to the health and well-being of our community. We are committed to sharing important information that can help keep everyone healthy. The Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery’s community service also includes occasional screenings for heart disease risk factors (cholesterol and blood pressure), as well as our faculty’s participation in the Department’s Surgical Speakers Bureau.
Throughout February, American Heart Month, the Division’s faculty and staff take part in Stony Brook Medicine’s special programs to support the American Heart Association's national campaign to fight heart disease. These programs offer free opportunities for members of the community to get screened, get educated, and get involved in their own heart health.
Our community programs help raise awareness about what people can do to prevent heart disease, and what we can do to help if they become afflicted by it. Most are unaware of the minimally invasive surgeries we offer our patients and how they enable faster recoveries. We implement these life-saving strategies with effectiveness, safety, and compassion for our patients and their families.
Cardiac Education Program
Stony Brook Medicine’s “free” Cardiac Education Program provides an ongoing series of classes for patients and their families and friends, to give them the opportunity to learn about heart disease, treatment, and prevention. CPR training classes are offered, too.
Our classes are held in the comfortable learning room in the Heart Institute at Stony Brook University Hospital. Sample topics include:
- Medication Guidelines: What you need to learn about your cardiac medications.
- Home Exercise Program: Learn how to start a home exercise program.
- Stress Management: Take charge of your cardiac health and learn ways to lessen your risk for heart disease.
- Heart Healthy Nutrition: Learn how to read nutrition labels and make healthy food choices.
This program is free of charge. Participants will receive validations for parking, and heart-healthy snacks will be served.
Registration is required. Call 631-444-4000, Monday through Friday, and provide the following: 1) number of people planning to attend, and 2) your name, address, and phone number. Registering at least one (1) week in advance will allow us sufficient time to mail a map to you.
