ASHLAND, Ky. — The 2010 series of Heart Failure Support Group meetings kicks off Tuesday, March 2, with a presentation on “Taking Control of Heart Failure.” The meeting will be from 6 to 7 p.m. in the Parkview Café at King’s Daughters Medical Center.

Amanda Johnson, staff nurse with the KDMC Cardiology Clinic, will speak. Johnson also serves as facilitator for the group.

“Heart failure is a serious condition,” Johnson said, “and although there is no known cure, there are numerous steps patients can take that can help them lead better lives and reduce hospitalizations.”

These include medication, following a low-sodium diet and lifestyle changes, Johnson noted. Education and support are important components in managing heart failure. “The more patients know about heart failure, the better they are at managing their symptoms and recognizing when they need to make further adjustments or seek help,” she noted.

The support group is free and open to anyone with heart failure and their loved ones. Physician referral is not required, although RSVPs are requested and may be made by calling (606) 408-6002 or (606) 408-6426. Each meeting includes both a formal presentation and an opportunity for members to share their experiences and help one another.

Additional meetings and scheduled topics for 2010 include:

March 30: Tips for Following a Low-Sodium Diet

April 27: Heart Failure Medications: Questions & Answers

May 25: Self-Care: Following your treatment plan & dealing with symptoms

June 22: Exercise and Activity

July 20: Heart Failure: Keeping a Positive Outlook

Aug. 17: Family/Friend Support

Sept. 14: Lifestyle: Managing Other Chronic Conditions

Oct. 12: Advanced Care Planning