Web site delivers high-tech, hands-on health education

By 1st Lt. Ellen Harr
59th Medical Wing Public Affairs

LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Making the transition to a healthier lifestyle can make the difference between life and death for patients with cardiovascular disease.

Through detailed illustrations, testimonials from other patients and other cutting-edge technologies, the CardioConnection Web site takes patient education well beyond the doctor’s office. The site gives patients access to comprehensive health education tools from their home computers.

“The site helps patients take a look at cardiac risk factors and learn how to minimize them,” said Sandra Black, a cardiac rehabilitation coordinator with the 759th Surgical Operations Squadron at Wilford Hall Medical Center here.  “It also helps provide them with valuable skills for lifelong health.”

“It is by far the best educational resource for patients with cardiovascular diseases that I have ever seen,” said Maj. (Dr.) Richard Krasuski, staff cardiologist and director of cardiovascular research with the 759th SOS. “It also appears to help them make the necessary lifestyle changes to get healthier.”

The Cardiac Rehabilitation Program at Wilford Hall averages 60 to 75 visits per week, so the information provided by CardioConnection is the perfect complement to the educational counseling patients receive during their appointments, Black said.

“It re-enforces all that information [we provide during face-to-face patient education]. The quality of the videos is great,” Black said. “They are really professionally done, and they feature patients who have experienced the same things they are going though. So patients who visit the Web site and view the videos can hear and identify with the experiences of others.”

For more information, people can visit the CardioConnection Web site at www.cardioconnection.org

The CardioConnection site was created by the Air Force’s Center for Excellence in Medical Multimedia and features 3-D animations of cardiac-related symptoms and procedures, personal testimonials from patients and heart-healthy dietary tips.

The CEMM is a dynamic initiative from the Office of the Surgeon General aimed at supplying the most powerful interactive technologies available to medical treatment facilities, Health and Wellness Centers, and TRICARE civilian medical facilities. The CEMM is a nationally recognized leader in patient-related interactive multimedia. Its innovative structure and sophisticated production outsourcing strategies position it perfectly for rapid response to the ever-changing needs of patients. To learn more, please visit our Web site at www.cemm.org.