BCHS surgeon to speak on vascular health

Vascular health can be affected when there is a reduced arterial blood supply to a part of the body, such as the legs or brain. This can range from disease without symptoms, to pain on walking, pain at rest, and limb-threatening reduced blood supplies that can lead to potential loss of the extremity.

Dr. Tarek Elshaarawy, a vascular surgeon at Battle Creek Health System will speak on 'Maintaining Good Vascular Health and Preventing Deep Vein Thrombosis' at Burnham Brook Center on Thursday, April 2. The program, which is free to the public, is sponsored through Senior Health Partners in coordination with Battle Creek Health System.

A lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m. followed by Dr. Elshaarawy's presentation at noon. Seating is limited. Reservations can be made by calling the class/seminar registration line at (877) GO2-BCHS (877-462-2247).

Dr. Elshaarawy's program will cover the important factors to reduce your risk in developing vascular disease, and if diagnosed what are the treatment options. He will also discuss new advancements in endovascular treatment of peripheral arterial and venous disorders including deep vein thrombosis.

The vascular system is made up of arteries and veins that carry oxygen-rich blood throughout the body to the vital organs, the brain, and the legs. As we age, our arteries tend to thicken with a buildup of plaque and cholesterol, get stiffer, and grow narrower. When blood flow is restricted, vascular disease like carotid artery disease can lead to stroke; peripheral artery disease can lead to problems walking and in the most advanced cases, foot ulcers, gangrene, and possible amputation; and abdominal aortic aneurysm can result in death if not treated early.

Senior Health Partners, a community partnership of Battle Creek Health System, CentraCare, Region 3B Area Agency on Aging, and Summit Pointe, works to expand wellness and educational offerings to senior citizens in Calhoun and surrounding counties.

Battle Creek Health System, sponsored by two parent organizations--Trinity Health (the fourth largest Catholic health system in the U.S. with 21 hospitals, 9 nursing homes, 19 senior house facilities, 8 home health care agencies, and 4 hospices in Michigan alone) and BCHS Community Partners, is accredited by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. Battle Creek Health System is a recipient of the 2008 HealthGrades Orthopaedic Surgery Excellence Award(tm). HealthGrades is a leading health care information company that provides objective 'report card' ratings nationwide. BCHS provides excellent health care for the community and promotes wellness for the whole person with access and compassion for all. For the latest medical information, visit the BCHS web site at www.bchealth.com or call the BCHS Marketing Department at (269) 966-8132.

About the Presenter:

Dr. Tarek Elshaarawy received his medical degree from Ain Shams University in Cairo, Egypt. He completed his general surgery residency at New Jersey Medical School and a fellowship in vascular surgery and endovascular surgery at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in New Jersey.

He has special interest and extensive experience and training in minimal invasive treatment of varicose veins and endovascular management of arterial disorders.

Dr. Elshaarawy is board certified by the American Board of Surgery and is a member of the Battle Creek Health System medical staff. He is affiliated with the Vascular Health Center.