Just as you can count on cold and snow each February, you can also count on the students and staff of Ross Medical Education Center in Port Huron creating inspirational cards for heart patients who are being treated in the local medical community. This annual event honoring American Heart Month has become a tradition that staff and students alike look forward to each year. This small act of kindness has a great impact; once created, the cards are presented to Dan Krumenaker, RN and Practice Manager at Cardiology Associates of Port Huron.
This was Mr. Krumenaker’s fourth consecutive year speaking to the students about the importance of heart health awareness and accepting the cards on his patient’s behalf. Mia Vargo, Campus Director, stated “the students are always very appreciative of the time Mr. Krumenaker takes out of his busy schedule to speak with them regarding heart health. His message is always very informative and impactful.” This year Mr. Krumenaker’s message reinforced the fact that women need to be very aware of heart disease and the importance of taking a more proactive versus reactive approach when it comes to this deadly disease. Mr. Krumenaker explained that heart disease remains the number one killer of both men and women in the United States. Specifically, he made a point of asking for all of the student’s undivided attention when he stated with emotion in his voice, “women need to be more informed about heart disease, as statistics show that one in three women will die from heart disease or stroke, compared to one and four women dying of cancer.” He continued by encouraging everyone, no matter their age, to be aware of their blood pressure, heart rate, cholesterol levels and family history. “Some heart disease risk factors are genetic but,” Mr. Krumenaker continued, “there are some risk factors we can control, like our diet and exercise.” The message was loud and clear; that knowing one’s family history, vital levels, and consistently getting health checks, an individual can assist physicians to better help them manage any heart disease related issues.
This year, Mr. Krumenaker also took a progressive approach by talking to students about some of the new trends he is witnessing in the medical community. He stressed that students will need to be aware of and comfortable with asking patients about alternative substances which are being used to treat various medical conditions. Mr. Krumenaker shared, “as we progress with medical innovations, we all need to be aware of these unconventional changes and how they affect each of you in your everyday role as a Medical Assistant.” In light of this, all of the students at the Port Huron campus were once again humbled by the opportunity to share a kind word and send a note of well wishes to members of the local community suffering from heart disease.
For more information about Cardiology Associates of Port Huron you can reference their website http://porthuronheartcenter.com/. Additional information on heart health can be found at http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/.