At the Alegent Health Heart and Vascular Insititute, we know that the key to staying healthy is in learning.  That's why we offer education and support groups designed for those concerned with heart health.   Just reading about risk factors and lifestyle changes sometimes isn't enough to help us make the changes we need.  Controlling our diet, emotions and feelings is medically necessary to improve our response to disease and to stay healthy.  For more information about any of the following support groups or classes,  contact us online or call 1-800-ALEGENT (1-800-253-4368).

Below is a list of ongoing support and educational programs made available by the Alegent Health Heart and Vascular Institute:

ICD (Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator) Support Group
Heart to Heart
Heart Failure Support Group 
Quarterly Heart Failure Educational Lunch Meeting
Stroke Education Group
Better Breathers
Cardiac Rehabilitation
Cardiac College 

University of Healthy Living^TM
The University of Healthy Living offers educational classes for healthy living.  Most of the classes are free or are offered for a small charge.  Exercise, health education and stress-management courses are offered, as well as seminars like "Women and Heart Disease" and nontraditional programs like yoga. To sign up for any of these events, click on the above "University of Healthy Living" link.

ICD (Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator) Support Group
Quarterly luncheons for ICD patients and their families

Heart to Heart
Information and support for patients and their families dealing with heart disease.  Topics on loss, grief, depression, emotions and stress, family issues, and relaxation methods will be covered

Heart Failure Support Group
Support group developed for persons with heart failure and their family and friends

Quarterly Heart Failure Educational Lunch Meeting
Quarterly luncheon for heart failure patients
Call (402) 572-3353 (reservations encouraged)
Immanuel Medical Center - Holling Center
Noon - 1 p.m.
FREE

Stroke Education Group
Education and support for stroke patients, their caregivers and family members.
4th Tuesday of every month
Call (402) 593-3864 for information
Midlands Community Hospital - Smith Suite
6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
FREE

Better Breathers
4th Monday of Every Month,  4 - 5 p.m.
Mercy Hospital and the American Lung Association of Iowa invite individuals with chronic lung disease to attend the Better Breathers Club meeting at Alegent Health Mercy Hospital, Edwards Professional Center, 715 Harmony St. Better Breathers meets the fourth Monday of every month. Learn more about living with chronic lung disease. Appropriate health information literature is available and refreshments are provided. Friends and family members are welcome to attend this free session which lasts 45-60 minutes. Call (712) 328-5479 for more information.

Ongoing Programs and Education:

Cardiac Rehabilitation
An exercise program to strengthen the heart

Cardiac College
A comprehensive course that addresses all aspects of heart disease, including how the heart works, effects of stress and emotions, cholesterol and the benefits of proper nutrition and exercise.