Women’s heart health a focus in February

When cardiologist Dr. Loren Berenbom was last featured in the Chronicle a couple of years ago, he was helping to save the life of Jay LeClere, whose heart had faltered while both men were attending a program at the Jewish Community Campus.

That night, Dr. Berenbom used an automatic external defibrillator to rescue LeClere. Now he is urging local women to take advantage of an upcoming heart-health education program at the Campus that can reduce their chances of winding up in a life-threatening situation.

He will be the featured speaker at the free Feb. 10 program titled “Women and Heart Disease: The Importance of Knowing Your Numbers.” (See below for details) It’s meant to promote the utilization of the University of Kansas Hospital’s “A Change of Heart” women’s heart-health assessment.

That is a $60, 90-minute package that includes a cholesterol and blood-glucose check, blood-pressure and pulse check, Body Mass Index evaluation, waist-measurement evaluation, emotional-support education, exercise-plan recommendation, same-day results review and free valet parking.

The Feb. 10 program, like the Feb. 23 “Girls’ Night In” featuring fitness guru Bob Greene, (See below for details) takes place during American Heart Month.

The educational focus for Dr. Berenbom this month is on women’s heart health.

“Heart disease is actually the number-one killer of women,” he said. “If you ask people what they think it is, they will tell you breast cancer. But four times as many women die each year from heart disease, as compared to breast cancer.”

Coronary-artery disease typically becomes acute only in post-menopausal women, Dr. Berenbom said. Nevertheless, he said, it’s a chronic condition that is often “silent until you have major symptoms like a heart attack.” So early warning is crucial.

“Wives are more ready to take care of their husbands than vice-versa,” he said.

And while family history is one of the biggest risk factors for heart disease, Dr. Berenbom said other factors like smoking, blood pressure and cholesterol levels are readily controlled.

“A lot of heart disease is preventable,” he said. “A little bit of knowledge goes a long way. It’s easier to stay out of trouble than to get out of trouble.”

Know your numbers

Dr. Loren Berenbom and Registered Nurse Karin Morgan will lead a free seminar titled “Women and Heart Disease: The Importance of Knowing Your Numbers” from 6 to 7:45 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 10, in the social hall at the Jewish Community Campus. Learn about the warning signs of heart disease in women and how to reduce your risk. There is no charge, but registration is required; call (913) 588-1227 or visit wwwkumed.com/bewell.

To schedule a “Change of Heart” health evaluation at the University of Kansas Hospital, call (913) 588-1227, or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . To learn more, visit www.changeofheartkc.org

Girls’ Night In

The University of Kansas Hospital is sponsoring a “Girls’ Night In” featuring fitness guru and Oprah Winfrey’s personal trainer, Bob Greene, on Tuesday, Feb. 23, at the Hyatt Regency Crown Center Hotel.

Greene, author of “The Best Life Diet,” will share heart-healthy strategies and inspiration with attendees, who will also be treated to a cocktail reception and a series of heart-healthy food tastings.

The event begins with cocktails at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $100 each. For tickets or more information, call (913) 588-8888 or visit www.achangeofheartkc.org.

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