March 4, 2004

Contact: Alan M. Warne, University of Kansas Medical Center Continuing Education, (913) 588-4487, awarne@kumc.edu.

Free KU public forum to discuss heart rhythms and diabetes March 20 in KCK

KANSAS CITY, Kan. -- Unusual heart rhythms and diabetes will be the topics of the next "Saturday Morning at KU Med," a free series of public information forums at the University of Kansas Medical Center Student Center, 39th and Rainbow Boulevard in Kansas City, Kan.

The March 20 program is titled "Heart Solutions: Heart Rhythms and Pre-Diabetes." It is intended for people who are concerned that they or a family member have or may develop a heart-related illness, and for health care providers, clergy, health care volunteers and medical support staff.

Topics of the first portion of the morning will include whether heart arrhythmias are a nuisance or are potentially deadly, causes of abnormal rhythms, and testing and treatment. Topics for the second portion will include defining pre-diabetes and pre-hypertension, screening for the metabolic syndrome and treatment.

Registration and an informational fair open at 7:30 a.m.; the program begins at 8:30 a.m. and adjourns at noon. Refreshments will be served. Although the program is free, participants are asked to register by calling (913) 588-1227.

Presenters will be Loren D. Berenbom, MD, director of electrophysiology at the University of Kansas Hospital, and Jill Keast, RN, MSN, of the KU Medical Center's Risk Reduction Clinic.

The program is sponsored by University of Kansas Continuing Education and Mid-America Cardiology, Inc., at the University of Kansas Hospital.