As winter approaches and the mercury drops, you may be tempted to snuggle a little closer to your bed partner overnight. But one University of Toledo Medical Center physician warns your warm and snuggly sleep position could cause nerve problems.

Dr. Nabil Ebraheim, professor and chair of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, said a condition called radial nerve palsy can develop when the radial nerve is compressed near the elbow.

The radial nerve runs along the underside of the arm and controls the movement of the triceps muscle and is responsible for enabling extension of the wrist and fingers. It also controls sensation in part of the hand.

“Radial nerve palsy is often referred to as honeymoon palsy, due to the closer sleeping habits of newlyweds,” he said. “When your partner falls asleep while laying on your arm, the radial nerve and surrounding muscles are compressed, which can cause numbness and prolonged tingling in the fingers or even restrict movement in the hand or wrist.”

Wrist drop is a rare, but disabling condition that causes paralysis of the muscles that normally raise the hand at the wrist and can make it difficult to move the hand or fingers.

Radial nerve palsy is treated by supporting the wrist with a brace or splint and through physical therapy that helps to maintain muscle strength and reduce contracture. The nerve usually recovers within a few weeks, but in some cases it could take four to six months. Extreme cases, including wrist drop, could require surgery.

Ebraheim said the best way to avoid developing these conditions is to reevaluate the way you sleep.

“People should be mindful of their sleep position to reduce the risk of nerve injury,” Ebraheim said. “It’s best to avoid positions that place pressure on the upper arm either from snuggling up with a loved one or sleeping with your arm curled under your head.”

The University of Toledo is one of seven Ohio universities participating in a project designed to optimize career outcomes for minority students who choose to pursue doctoral degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields.

With $3.1 million in support from the National Science Foundation (NSF), the Northern Ohio Alliance for Graduate Education and the Professoriate (NOA-AGEP) was created to increase the number of underrepresented minority students completing STEM doctoral degrees and prepare them for entry into the professoriate.

The NOA-AGEP project is led by Case Western University with UT, Bowling Green State University, Cleveland State University, Kent State University, the University of Akron and Youngstown State University serving as contributing members.

UT will receive $288,164 to support its role in the program.

La’Nese Lovings, chemistry; Cora Lind-Kovacs, professor and associate chair of chemistry and biochemistry; Maura Graves, cell and molecular biology; W. Scott Crawley, assistant professor of biological sciences; Tomer Avidor-Reiss, associate professor of biological sciences; David Baliu-Rodriguez, chemistry

“Collaborating with the other universities to develop this project over the past four years has laid a solid foundation for the networking and mentoring of the AGEP Scholars selected to participate in this program,” said Dr. Patricia Komuniecki, the initial primary investigator of the grant who retired this year as vice provost for graduate affairs and dean of the College of Graduate of Studies “Each university will contribute to the project in its own unique way, sharing its strengths with the other participating members. UT will host all the NOA-AGEP participants next spring at the annual Midwest Graduate Research Symposium.”

Thirty students across northern Ohio have been selected to participate. Six new doctoral students were selected as AGEP Scholars at UT and enrolled in the cohort with the start of the fall 2016 semester.

The 42-month research project entitled, “Collaborative Research: Northern Ohio AGEP-T: A Racially and Ethnically Inclusive Graduate Education Model in Biology, Chemistry and Engineering” will explore best practices for supporting the cohort through a variety of activities.

“We are studying a model that includes a variety of mentoring, networking, diversity and professional development activities designed to optimize the academic success of our scholars and explore pathways into the professoriate,” said Dr. Susan Pocotte, associate dean for Academic Affairs and current principal investigator of the grant. “Through this program, NOA-AGEP is developing best practices and creating new benchmarks that provide support for underrepresented minority students and can be expanded to the entire graduate community.”

The AGEP scholars have received tuition scholarships and will receive stipends for completing training activities and attending mentoring workshops. Each has been paired with a professor who serves as a mentor in the student’s field of study.

Shermel Sherman, molecular medicine; Kandace Williams, professor, associate dean of the College of Medicine and Life Sciences Graduate Program and director of cancer biology track; Ethel Tackie-Yarboi, medicinal chemistry; Isaac Schiefer, assistant professor of medicinal and biological chemistry

“I think the mentoring relationship is going to be the most valuable part of the program for me,” said Ethel Tackie-Yarboi, second year doctoral student in medicinal chemistry.  “I’m still fine-tuning my educational pathway and now I don’t feel like I have to go it alone. I have a dedicated faculty member to guide me through the process and help me explore my options.”

Students also will participate in professional development training activities throughout the length of the program.

“We will teach them how to build relationships and network in their field,” said Teresa Green, COGS graduate academic services specialist and site coordinator for NOA-AGEP. “They will also receive coaching to hone their writing and publishing skills in preparation for grant writing and research reporting, which are important skills to develop in those considering a career in the professoriate.”

These relationships have already proven invaluable to the program’s participants.

“Chemists spend a lot of time alone in the lab,” said La’Nese Lovings, first year doctoral student in chemistry.  “NOA-AGEP has given me the opportunity to meet other students and introduced me to other disciplines. We share our research, question each other’s methods and debate our work. I’m looking forward to meeting other researchers in the chemistry field when we attend conferences.”

Lovings will present her research, “Synthesis and Characterization of Al_xSc_2-xMo₃O₁₂ Using Non-Hydrolytic Sol-Gel Methods” at the Louis Stokes Midwest Center of Excellence Conference and the National Organization for Professional Development of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers.

“I am excited to share my work and to learn from others,” she said. “I am hopeful that the connections I make will lead to lifelong mentorship opportunities and give me a multitude of people to and share ideas with as I move forward in my career.”

Chronic kidney disease affects nearly 25 percent of the adult population in the United States. It is closely associated with cardiovascular disease and can lead to a patient requiring dialysis or kidney transplant.

Dr. Steven Haller, Dr. David Kennedy and
Dr. Jiang Tian

Researchers at The University of Toledo are researching the connection between the kidney and heart in an effort to understand the molecular mechanisms, which can help develop new treatments to improve patient outcomes.

A recent study entitled, “Attenuation of Na/K-ATPase Mediated Oxidant Amplification with pNaKtide Ameliorates Experimental Uremic Cardiomyopathy,” was published in “Scientific Reports” earlier this month.

UT researchers, in collaboration with Marshall University and New York Medical College, identified a peptide that could reduce kidney disease related cardiac fibrosis in mice, which could potentially lead to the development of new treatment options for patients diagnosed with kidney disease.

“We know patients with kidney disease often develop cardiac fibrosis, which is a condition where their heart tissue becomes damaged and scarred,” said Jiang Tian, associate professor of medicine and lead co-author of the study. “Cardiac fibrosis was previously thought to be untreatable, but this new discovery shows promise for reversing or preventing the condition.”

The research builds upon pioneering work by co-author Dr. Zijian Xie, director of the Marshall Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, who discovered a new function of the Na/K-ATPase during his tenure at UT. Xie found that the Na/K-ATPase can mediate cell signaling in addition to its role in regulating the potassium and sodium level in each cell of the body.

The research team subsequently learned that dysfunction of kidneys signals the body to produce steroids that bind to the Na/K-ATPase, but that a long term “off-target” effect of this causes scarring to develop in the heart.

“We discovered that these sodium-potassium pumps don’t just move sodium and potassium around, but they are multitasking proteins that are involved in other functions as well,” said David Kennedy, assistant professor of medicine and co-author of the study. “It’s like finding out your car is a spaceship and you didn’t even know it.”

When the team introduced a peptide called pNaKtide in a mouse model with kidney disease, the associated cardiac fibrosis was reduced.

“We are excited about these findings and will further explore the possibility to use this peptide as a therapeutic treatment for cardiac fibrosis,” Tian said.

In a related UT study, Dr. Steven Haller, assistant professor of medicine discovered use of the immunosuppressant drug Rapamycin also helps in reducing cardiac fibrosis in animal models with kidney disease.

“Given that we now know Na/K-ATPase signaling is known to initiate events that leads to cardiac fibrosis, we can look at ways to interrupt this sequence,” he said. “Rapamycin inhibits an enzyme implicated in the progression of many different forms of kidney disease and we now know it also regulates a pro-fibrotic steroid which binds the Na/K-ATPase and causes fibrosis.”

The study, “Rapamycin Attenuates Cardiac Fibrosis in Experimental Uremic Cardiomyopathy by Reducing Marinobufagenin Levels and Inhibiting Downstream Pro-Fibrotic Signaling,” was published in the Journal of the American Heart Association.

As the warmth of early fall gives way to crisp evenings and the start of the holiday season, thoughts of raking leaves and a crackling fire come to mind. But not everyone can enjoy the crunch of drying leaves and the scent of wood burning in the fireplace.

The 30 percent of adults and 40 percent of children who are affected by nasal allergies in the United States know the sneezing, stuffy nose, sinus pressure, itchy eyes and cough of seasonal allergies are not always resolved with the change of seasons.

Dr. Svetlana Kriegel

University of Toledo Health Allergist and Immunologist Dr. Svetlana I. Kriegel recommends those affected learn their triggers and symptoms and ways to avoid exposure to allergens to reduce the misery of nasal allergies.

“The most common are seasonal pollen allergies in the spring, summer and fall. About 70 percent of patients with spring allergies also have allergy symptoms in the fall,” Kriegel said. “We have seen a drop in temperature and with it a drop in ragweed pollen, the primary fall allergen.”

Kriegel said patients are starting to notice a change, but we aren’t out of the woods yet and other allergens, like mold are actually triggering allergic symptoms.

“The fungi take advantage of the fallen leaves and decaying vegetation this time of year and can be found in compost piles, cut grasses, wooded areas, soils, lawn debris and other moist surfaces,” Kriegel said. “In order to reduce the exposure to molds, I suggest avoiding raking leaves altogether or wearing a particle mask if you must work outside.”

A hard frost will eventually kill the foliage and bring the outdoor molds to the dormant state. However, Kriegel said indoor molds can still be troublesome, especially with humidity levels more than 50 percent. The damp air allows molds to flourish in poorly ventilated areas like attics, bathrooms, basements and under kitchen sinks.

“As we close windows and start running heaters, indoor allergens including dust mites, pets, cockroaches and molds become predominant allergy triggers,” Kriegel said. “Luckily, effective avoidance measures can diminish exposure thus decrease nasal, eye and chest symptoms. I always teach my patients this first line of defense.”

Kriegel said it is important to consider other indoor allergens as we settle in for the winter.

“As we are coming to the holiday season, we all should be jolly and happy,” she said. “Be mindful of your guests who could have an allergic or asthmatic reaction to indoor triggers.”

Smoke from fireplaces, wood burners, scented candles, air fresheners and pets can cause problems for allergy sufferers.

“If you purchase a live Christmas tree, you are at risk for carrying millions of mold spores into your home in its bark,” she said. “This mold can cause worsening of allergies and asthma in sensitive adults and kids.”

When avoidance measures are not enough to minimize suffering from allergies or when patients also experience episodic cough, wheezing or chest tightness, Kriegel develops an individualized care strategy for each patient.

“Pharmacological therapy for patients with allergies and asthma made great advances in recent years,” she said. “Medicines can significantly improve the quality of life of allergic individuals.

Nonetheless, for the most bothersome, persistent and difficult to treat symptoms, allergen immunotherapy offers a great advantage. For the right patient, allergy shots can reduce suffering from asthma and potentially cure his or her allergies.”

The human body’s relationship with bacteria is complex. The microscopic organisms can help us live a healthy life or harm us by causing myriad diseases.

Researchers have long been fascinated by bacteriology, the study of bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms. Dr. F. G. Novy, a world renowned bacteriologist and former dean of the University of Michigan Medical School, is credited for putting the field of bacteriology on firm scientific foundations. He investigated how microbes survive in nature, spread in the environment and cause disease in animals.

Novy’s work and accomplishments in this field of science will be the focus of the Eighth Annual S. Amjad Hussain Visiting Lecture in the History of Medicine and Surgery at The University of Toledo.

Dr. Powel Kazanjian

Dr. Powel Kazanjian, professor and chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases and professor of history at the University of Michigan, will present a lecture entitled, “The Origins of Bacteriology in America: Life and Works of Frederick Novy” at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 2 in the Health Education Building Room 100 on UT’s Health Science Campus. The event is free and open to the public.

“Novy was an organic chemist who is known as the father of bacteriology. He was instrumental in the understanding of how microorganisms cause disease,” said S. Amjad Hussain, professor emeritus of thoracic cardiovascular surgery and humanities and former member of the UT Board of Trustees. “His work helped to define bacteriology as a distinct discipline in America and laid much of the groundwork for studying the interactions between bacteria and the human body.”

Kazanjian was selected to speak at this year’s lecture by a committee that included Hussain, Howard Newman, retired associate vice president of development; Dr. Steven Selman, professor emeritus of medicine; and Dr. Peter White, professor emeritus of medicine and Dr. Thomas Sodeman, division chief of gastroenterology at the University of Toledo.

“Dr. Kazanjian is well respected as an expert in the field of infectious diseases. He has written nearly 100 research publications,” Hussain said. “His interest in the history of bacteriology, epidemics and sexually transmitted diseases fits nicely with the goals of our lecture series.”

Hussain said researchers and physicians are continually building on historical concepts in medicine to find new ways to cure disease.

“When penicillin was discovered in the 1940s, we thought it was the silver bullet,” he said. “What we learned in time is that microorganisms are vigilant and have learned how to develop resistance to available antibiotics, therefore we are continually on a quest to find and develop new antibiotics.”

Nearly 70 million people in the United States have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, putting them at risk for heart attack, stroke and heart failure. And one third of those individuals with hypertension also will eventually develop kidney disease.

Researchers at The University of Toledo are taking steps to better understand the relationship between high blood pressure and kidney disease to better treat those patients.

Dr. Steven Haller

“Dr. Christopher Cooper, dean of the College of Medicine and Life Sciences, served as the principal investigator of the Cardiovascular Outcomes in Renal Atherosclerotic Lesions (CORAL) clinical trial, which determined the best treatment options for renal artery stenosis, or blockage in the renal arteries of the kidney. However, the molecular mechanisms leading to renal dysfunction in this disease remain largely unknown,” said Dr. Steven Haller, assistant professor of medicine. “We knew that the protein Cd40 played an important role in inflammation and clotting in the body, but had not yet identified how it contributed to renal fibrosis.”

Renal fibrosis is a progressive condition that is the direct consequence of the kidney’s limited ability to regenerate after injury. The scarring of the kidney tissue results in a loss of function which can potentially lead to life-threatening kidney failure.

“My team collaborated with Dr. Bina Joe in UT’s Department of Physiology and Pharmacology to develop a rat model to explore the role of Cd40 in this scarring,” Haller said. “We found that by interrupting this protein, the rats had a significant reduction in renal fibrosis and demonstrated an improvement in renal function”

These results mean that the Cd40 protein not only contributes to inflammation, but also may contribute to renal fibrosis and can be considered as playing a critical role in the development of hypertensive renal disease, he said.

“It has been an exciting project to be a part of,” Haller said. “I have enjoyed collaborating with the other experts we have within UT’s Center for Hypertension and Personalized Medicine to take an interdisciplinary approach to research in our quest to learn more about disease and developing preventative and therapeutic treatments.”

While medications and human trials are still several years away, Haller and his colleagues plan to take the next steps in exploring the most effective and safest ways to interrupt Cd40 and reduce renal fibrosis.

The results of the study were presented in a paper entitled, “Targeted Disruption of Cd40 in a Genetically Hypertensive Rat Model Attenuates Renal Fibrosis and Proteinuria, Independent of Blood Pressure” and were published in Kidney International in August.

Nearly half of all Americans have taken at least one prescription medication and 20 percent have used three or more prescription drugs in the last month. But according to a National Council on Patient Information and Education survey, more than half report not taking their medications as prescribed, putting them at risk for serious health concerns.

During October, which is American Pharmacists Month and Talk about Your Medicines Month, University of Toledo pharmacists are encouraging patients to build a relationship with their pharmacist in order to learn how to take medications properly, manage multiple prescriptions and reduce prescription costs.

“Your pharmacist is likely the most accessible health care provider you have,” said Lindsey Eitniear, clinical pharmacist. “Yet not enough people take the time to talk to their pharmacist about their health. That is truly unfortunate, because we can provide many services to help our patients understand and manage their medications better.”

More than 12,000 prescriptions are filled each month across UT’s three outpatient pharmacies and pharmacists work directly with patients who are recovering in the UT Medical Center or being treated in several of UT’s clinics.

“We educate patients about taking their medication properly, identifying potential side effects and managing chronic conditions,” Eitniear said. “We also work to resolve insurance concerns and explore options for reducing out-of-pocket expenses.”

New legislation also allows a physician to permit pharmacists to make adjustments to medication dosages including those for blood pressure and diabetes at the pharmacy.

“We work closely with physicians to suggest simplifying medications or to clarify what has been ordered,” Eitniear said. “This extra communication ensures patients know how to take their medications correctly and is an added safety for patients.”

Eitniear said it is safest when patients use the same pharmacy each time they need a prescription filled, particularly if the patient takes multiple drugs.

“We can track some controlled medicines and a few others are tracked through insurance companies, but there is no one database that holds all patient prescription information,” she said. “Even a seemingly simple antibiotic can cause severe interactions with some medications. Pharmacists can spot these potential hazards if prescriptions are filled in the same location.”

Consistent use of the same pharmacy also allows a relationship to form between patient and pharmacist.

Holly Smith, UTMC Outpatient Pharmacy manager said patients should talk about all medications they are taking at each doctor’s appointment. She said printouts of all prescribed medications can be requested from the pharmacy and shared with physicians and family members.

“I tell patients to carry the list in their purse or wallet so they always have it with them,” she said. “It’s also important that there is at least one designated family member who knows your health history and medications in case of emergency.”

This also is a good time to take inventory of any leftover or expired medications. Pharmacists can advise patients the proper methods for disposing of old prescription and over the counter medications.

“We accept unwanted medications in a drop box in the emergency department of UTMC,” Smith said. “Patients with injectable medications should follow the directions on their sharps container for proper disposal.”

Smith said unused medications also can be mixed with used kitty litter or coffee grounds and disposed of in the trash. Medicated patches should be folded over and stuck together before being thrown away.

“I would advise anyone getting a prescription filled to take a minute to ask a few questions about the medication you will be taking. You can even call your usual pharmacy to review medications and discuss any concerns,” Smith said. “It is our goal as pharmacists to do the best we can by our patients so they are able to care for themselves and stay well.”

The University of Toledo’s Eleanor N. Dana Cancer Center is holding a free seminar to educate cancer patients about the latest lymphedema treatments available and provide advice for managing their symptoms.

“Lymphedema from Head to Toe” will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, Oct., 24 at the Radisson Hotel located on The University of Toledo Health Science Campus. Registration begins at 5:30 p.m. in the Dana Cancer Center. Valet parking is available and refreshments will be provided.

Dr. Suzie Ehmann, clinical coordinator of the edema management program at Carolinas HealthCare System, will be the keynote speaker. For more than 13 years Dr. Ehmann has dedicated her practice to the evaluation and comprehensive treatment of patients with lymphatic disorders and chronic non-healing wounds.

Lymphedema is painful swelling due to a buildup of lymphatic fluid. It is common in cancer survivors who have had lymph nodes removed or radiation therapy as a part of their treatment plan. This painful condition occurs primarily in the extremities, but also can occur in other areas of the body, such as the face and chest.

“We will review the lymphatic system and how to look for the symptoms of lymphedema,” Ehmann said. “Many patients don’t realize that occasional swelling can be the start of a much bigger problem. If we address lymphedema at this stage, it is much more treatable and improves the quality of life for patients.”

“Often lymphedema is associated with breast cancer, but those who have head and neck cancers or melanoma can also experience lymphedema,” she said.

While there is no one-size-fits all solution, Ehmann says a comprehensive treatment plan including skin care, massage, compression and exercise helps improve the quality of life of many lymphedema patients.

“This is a rare opportunity for patients and professionals alike to hear from one of the nation’s leading lymphedema experts,” said Renee Schick, event organizer and manager of UTMC’s Survivor Shop. “Anyone with a condition that can lead to chronic swelling and those who care for lymphedema patients will benefit from her presentation.”

University of Toledo medical students will have the opportunity to personally thank the sponsors of their scholarship awards.

The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences will hold its annual Scholarship Awards Dinner Thursday, Oct. 6 in the Mahogany Room of the Radisson Hotel on Health Science Campus. A reception will begin at 5 p.m. with dinner and the awards program to follow.

“This event is one of the highlights of our year,” said Dr. Christopher Cooper, executive vice president for clinical affairs and dean of the College of Medicine and Life Sciences. “It provides an opportunity for our students to meet the sponsors of their scholarships and put a face to the individuals who have invested in their success.”

119 scholarships totaling $1,102,632 have been awarded to UT College of Medicine and Life Sciences students this fall.

“Medical students can expect to accumulate nearly $200,000 in educational costs,” Cooper said. “These scholarships help to reduce the indebtedness incurred by our students, and we are extremely grateful for the support in easing this financial burden.”

Fourth-year medical student Megan Mooney, who is the recipient of the UT and ProMedica Better Together Scholarship, will serve as the student speaker.

“Receiving this scholarship has helped me beyond words,” Mooney said. “Not only has it supported me financially and educationally, I feel like the sponsors of my scholarship have become part of my personal support system. It has inspired me to think about how I can pay it forward and serve others in the future.”

“Our students benefit tremendously from the generosity of our scholarship donors,” UT President Sharon L. Gaber said. “Their financial support means our students can continue their studies without bearing the full weight of their educational expenses and can focus on becoming the next generation of physicians. We express our heartfelt gratitude for their continued support.”

When the heart is no longer able to support the circulation of blood properly, both a patient’s quality of life and life expectancy diminishes. Heart failure patients can experience shortness of breath and fatigue, which can make everyday activities difficult.

The University of Toledo Medical Center will hold a free symposium to discuss the symptoms of heart failure, share the latest treatment options available and identify community resources available for patients.

“Navigating Heart Failure” will be 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 11 in Room 1000A of the Collier Building on The University of Toledo Health Science Campus.

“We wanted to reach out to our community to help heart failure patients better understand their condition and the resources available to them,” said Connie Mueller, lead LVAD coordinator for UTMC and event co-organizer.

According to the American Heart Association, nearly six million Americans are living with heart failure, with more than half of them between the ages of 35 and 74. One in five people will develop the disease in their lifetime.

“People shouldn’t think of heart failure as a disease of the elderly. Young people also need to be aware of the symptoms of heart failure,” said Dr. George Moukarbel, medical director of the heart failure and LVAD programs at UTMC. “Potential warning signs are shortness of breath, increased heart rate, unusual fatigue and swelling in the extremities. The symptoms can be mild at first and often younger patients ignore or dismiss these early symptoms.”

A number of conditions can lead to the development of heart failure, including diabetes, obesity, sleep apnea and high blood pressure. Moukarbel said it is important for patients to discuss their risk of developing heart failure with their physician.

“Heart failure is a life-threatening condition with no cure, but there are treatment options available to manage symptoms and prevent further heart damage,” he said. “Medications and simple lifestyle changes can help slow the progression of the disease.”

Patients with advanced or end-stage heart failure have several treatment options available to them, including a surgically implanted pump called a left ventricular assist device, or LVAD. It is attached to the heart to help it pump more blood with less work.

“We have met with patients who were told their only remaining option was hospice care, but were able to receive an LVAD implant and are doing well today,” said Margaret Commet, operations supervisor of UTMC’s cardiovascular unit and event co-organizer. “It is important that heart failure patients understand that advanced treatments can give them more time and improve their quality of life.”

With his heart functioning at only 10 percent, Byron Clark was given only six months to live in early 2015.

“I decided to get the LVAD implant at that time because I didn’t think six months was long enough to wait on the transplant list,” said Clark, who had the LVAD implanted at UTMC. “It did take some adjustments to learn to live with the implant, but it gave me time until a donor was found 16 months later.”

“For patients like Byron, the LVAD is a bridge to transplantation,” said Dr. Mark Bonnell, UTMC cardiothoracic surgeon and director of the LVAD program. “Others who are not eligible for a transplant can still see a substantial improvement in quality of life from LVAD as a permanent solution. The LVAD has added not only years but quality to their lives which is indeed the central purpose of this technology.”

More than 18,000 patients worldwide and 39 patients at UTMC have received implantation of the LVAD device.

“I definitely recommend having the LVAD implant and the doctors at UTMC,” Clark said. “It gave me extra time and I feel great today. My new heart is functioning well and I look forward to working in the yard and traveling.”

Clark and his wife have established the Having a Heart for a Heart Foundation to educate and guide families through the LVAD to transplant process and provide financial support for patients.

“We were blessed to have good insurance, but we know others who have lost everything trying to manage the financial burden of these surgeries,” said Debbie Clark, foundation president. “We wanted to do something to give back and help others who need to travel this journey.”

Dr. Moukarbel and Dr. Bonnell will speak at the “Navigating Heart Failure” event, along with patients who will share their experiences in living with heart failure. Vendors and educational booths will be available, including information about cardiac rehab, smoking cessation, respiratory therapy and proper nutrition.

Preregistration is required. Call 419.383.5150 by Thursday, Oct. 6 to register. Nurses can earn one continuing education credit for attending.