CHRONIC ILLNESS SUPPORT GROUP AND WORKSHOP TO BE HOSTED BY DR. SANTA MARIA: January 25th, 2014
A new workshop and support group for patients with chronic illnesses will take place at Boca Raton Regional Hospital later this month.
Boca Raton, Florida., January 08, 2014 –The percentage of U.S. children and adolescents with a chronic health condition has increased from 1.8% in the 1960s to more than 7% in 2004.
When 133 million Americans—nearly 1 in 2 adults—live with at least one chronic illness—we’ve got a problem. That’s why local Boca Raton physician, Dr. Roderick Santa Maria will be hosting a Chronic Illness Support Group and Workshop on Saturday, January 25th 2014 at 11:00AM at Boca Raton Regional Hospital.
Rare disease, heart conditions, autoimmune dysfunction, household names like diabetes and arthritis—these diseases affect everyone from young adults to senior citizens. Learning to advocate for yourself as a patient, educate yourself about new medications and treatments, and managing school work or career from home can seem impossible and the isolation that those with chronic illness often suffer takes them away from the healing nature of support and community.
This support group and workshop will cover topics like
- What can you do to advocate for yourself as a patient?
- How can you effectively organize and utilize your medical records to prevent misdiagnoses and unnecessary treatments?
- How can you get the most out of your doctor’s visit?
- What are the economic cause and effects of chronic illness mismanagement in today’s health care system?
- How active and well under control is my disease—and how often should I be seeing my doctor to manage it competently?
With support from patient advocate, Ilana Jacqueline, Dr. Santa Maria will provide tips, advice and resources for patients ages 55 and under.
Attendees will also have an opportunity to discuss how they handle making medical decisions and who they decide to lean on for support. Patients will also be able to share their own advice, tips and recommendations during the meeting.
The meeting is free and open to all including students, doctors, nurses, patients and their families and friends. It will be simulcast live online. Patients unable to make it in person can attend the meeting and ask questions by registering for the event online (here) or through Dr. Santa Maria’s website (www.santamariamedicine.com.)
About Dr. Santa Maria
Dr. Roderick Santa Maria is a concierge physician working in Boca Raton, FL. He works with all types of patients and specializes in chelation therapy, cardiovascular disease treatment and prevention, nutrition, weight control, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome and chronic illness management. Learn more about his practice at www.santamariamedicine.com.
Dr. Santa Maria and staff are located at 801 Meadows Rd Suite 121 Boca Raton, FL 33486.
You can reach them during business hours at 561-338-0737.
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PRESS CONTACT: Ilana Jacqueline
Phone: 561-542-1105
