Brigham and Women’s Center for Community Wellness Health Discussions

HEAL2:
Health Education, Awareness & Literacy
= Healthy Engagement, Actions & Life

These informative discussions are FREE and are currently being held for a virtual audience only.

Everyone could use a general health curriculum to better understand common conditions affecting their loved ones, to learn the best prevention strategies, to know what questions to ask their doctors, and to know where to go for additional information. These monthly forums led by BWH physician cover a variety of topics relevant to our community ranging from hypertension and diabetes to opioid abuse and stress management. Join us for your monthly dose of health education and empowerment!

Questions?  Please contact Gayna Sealy, Program Manager 617.288.9092 gsealy@sportsmenstennis.org

Immunizations in Light of COVID
with Dr. Miriam Kwarteng-Siaw

Thursday, August 5, 2021
7:00 pm on Zoom

Please come and join the discussion as we will cover topics including:

  • Understand the reasons for adult vaccines including pneumococcal, zoster, tetanus, flu and others.
  • Discuss the importance of vaccines to prevent disease, and common side effects.
  • Learn updates on Covid Vaccines.
  • Any other questions you have!

Join online or by phone.
Connect by link below or call 646.876.9923

Dr. Miriam Kwarteng-Siaw

ZOOM LINK

Past HEAL2 Discussions

Lung Disease: Asthma, COPD & Lung Cancer

Thursday, July 1, 2021
7:00 pm on Zoom

  • Distinguish between reactive airway and smoking-related lung diseases
  • Discuss the risk factors for asthma, COPD, and lung cancer
  • Learn about the guidelines for lung cancer screening and understand the risks/benefits
  • Any other questions you have!

Alzheimer’s: When is my memory loss normal, or not?
with Khin-Kyemon Aung & Hanna Vollbrecht

Thursday, June 3, 2021
7:00 pm on Zoom

  • Understand the difference between normal aging, confusion, and dementia
  • Recognize the telltale signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s dementia
  • Discuss how the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease is made
  • Learn about resources, strategies, and therapies to help support loved ones with Alzheimer’s dementia

Arthritis
with Dr. Laura Nicholson, MD

Thursday, May 6, 2021
7:00 pm on Zoom

  • Understand the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
  • Define gout and fibromyalgia
  • Discuss lifestyle changes/natural remedies to help support musculoskeletal health (weight loss, resistance exercise, etc)
  • Discuss treatment strategies for arthritis (Physical Therapy, medication, joint replacement)

Alcohol and Substance Use Disorders
with Dr. Allison Vise, Internal Medicine, BWH

Thursday, April 1, 2021
7:00 pm on Zoom

Please come and join the discussion as we will cover topics including:

  • What is substance use disorder (SUD) and how is it different from a typical ingestion of substances?
  • What are personal risk factors that put someone in risk for SUD?
  • What are options for medications for treatment?
  • Learn how to administer life-saving overdose treatment and other resources.
  • Any other questions you have!

Kidney Health
with Dr. Sunny Kung, BWH

Thursday, March 4, 2021

Please come and join the discussion as we will cover topics including:

  • What are the kidneys and what is their function in the body?
  • What is chronic kidney disease (CKD)?
  • What are symptoms of CKD and how does it manifest in the body?
  • Ways to protect your kidneys.
  • What are treatment options if the kidneys stop working?

Heart Disease
with Dr. Luisa Paredes Acosta, Internal Medicine, BWH

Thursday, February 4, 2021

  • What “heart disease” means and review the most common types.
  • How heart disease can develop and what we can do to prevent it.
  • The most common medications prescribed for heart disease and why is it so important to take them.

Thyroid Health
with Dr. Kelly Schuering

Thursday, January 7, 2021

  • Discussing the thyroid’s main function and role in the body.
  • What are the signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism
  • What should we know about thyroid nodules?

Preparing for End of Life:
A conversation between loved ones & caregivers
with Dr. Maria Patanwala

Thursday, December 3, 2020

Please come and join the discussion as we will cover topics including:

  • What is “Advance Care Planning” for the end of life?
  • What are hospice and palliative care?
  • Discuss the challenges that caregivers face alongside their loved ones.
  • Discuss strategies to have an open discussion with loved ones around wishes and important documents.