Heart Failure University

A series of free classes to better understand and manage Heart Failure are now being offered to patients and families every Tuesday and Thursday at 11 AM in the 8 Phillips Education Classroom.  Please contact Kathy Ueland, Heart Failure Clinical Coordinator, at 253-403-4459 with any questions, or to enroll in the classes.  The six-module series includes:   Week 1, Understanding Heart Failure Led by a Heart Failure Nurse, we will discuss symptoms of heart failure, what you should be watching for (weight, blood pressure, heart rate), and treatment options.  Week 2, Self Care and Risk Factors Led by a Heart Failure Nurse we will discuss how to control fluid intake, common pitfalls in managing your heart failure and caring for yourself, the importance of nutrition in heart failure, sleep problems and heart failure, and alcohol, smoking, drugs and heart failure.    Week 3, Nutrition/Cooking Led by a Dietician we will discuss how to read labels, seasoning alternatives, and dining out, with demonstrations and samples.  Week 4, Heart Failure Medications Led by a Pharmacist we will discuss ACE-I, Beta Blockers, Aldosterone inhibitors and diuretics, potassium, medication interactions, herbal medicine, and prescription assistance programs.  Week 5, Exercise Led by an Exercise Specialist we will discuss how to begin an exercise program, pacing yourself, cardiac rehab, and stress management.  Week 6, Advanced Care Planning Led by a Social Worker we will discuss beginning the conversation about what your goals and wishes are.  Palliative care, advance directives/living wills, and the 5 wishes document will be introduced.