Monmouth Cancer Coalition

On May 20, 2011, The Monmouth Cancer Coalition, in conjunction with CentraState Medical Center and The Wellness Community, sponsored "Living Better with Chronic Disease" a community education conference for individuals and caregivers who are dealing with serious chronic illness. 

Individuals suffering from chronic disease and their care givers have a multitude of options available to them that can lead to a high level quality of life. According to Dr. Poonam Allaigh, Commissioner New Jersey State Department of Health and Senior Services, chronic illness is a major public health issue facing our population today. In New Jersey, approximately 70 percent of deaths can be attributed to chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, stroke, chronic respiratory disease and diabetes. Over 133 million Americans have at least one chronic illness, and nearly one in three adults is obese. The chronically ill U.S. population accounts for approximately 78 percent of total U.S. health care costs, 76 percent of hospital admissions, 88 percent of all drug prescriptions of all drug prescriptions, and 72 percent of physician visits.

The conference covered topics such as symptom management, self management, non-traditional therapies, palliation, and support resources. Guest speakers included palliative care and pain management consultant Fran Hoh, Ph.D., APN, CS; holistic nurses Amy Quinlan, RN-BC, MSN, APRN, CCRN and Sheri Harris, MSW, LCSW, MS, RN-BC, HN-BC, CentraState HealthCare System; Geraldine Mackenzie, MA, Program Manager, Community Education and Wellness, New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services; chiropractor and nutrition specialist Adria Rothfeld, DC, CNS, MS; and Pat Mannino, RN, Public Health Nurse, Monmouth County Health Department.

 

Participants learned tangible ways to improve quality of life, self empowerment, self management of chronic disease, and about supportive resources available within the community.

  

Click here for event flyer, agenda, and press release.