FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 16, 2009

St. John’s Mercy Hospital Presents “Ask the Doctor”

St. John’s Mercy Hospital continues its Ask the Doctor series with “Cancer Prevention: Take Control of Your Health.” The event will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 13, in the Tucker conference room at St. John’s Mercy Hospital, 901 E. Fifth St. in Washington, Mo.

Dr. John Moore, anesthesiologist, was originally scheduled for the Ask the Doctor time slot in October. Dr. Moore’s presentation, “Back Pain After Surgery” will be rescheduled. 

Ask the Doctor events allow the public to learn about health topics from medical experts and ask them questions in a relaxed environment.

Co-presenters for Cancer Prevention: Take Control of Your Health are Thomas Riechers, MD, FACS, and Cindy Martin, RD, LD, CDE. Dr. Riechers is a general surgeon and chief of staff at St. John’s Mercy Hospital. Martin is a registered dietician at St. John’s Mercy Nutrition and Diabetes Wellness Center.

“The topic, cancer prevention, was selected because research shows that up to two-thirds of cancer deaths are preventable through healthier living,” said Dr. Riechers. “That said, when people are diagnosed with cancer, their survival rate increases with early detection. At Ask the Doctor, we will show people what they can do to reduce their cancer risks and increase their chances for early detection.”  

Subjects for the evening include:  

• How to use diet and exercise to prevent cancer
• The benefits of check-ups and self-exams
• The recommended cancer screenings
• The warning signs and symptoms of cancer
• The dietary needs of cancer patients

“People will walk away from this event with information about how to reduce their risks of cancer, and it’s a great preview for ‘All about Hope,’ the hospital’s upcoming cancer prevention, support and awareness fair,” said Martin. All about Hope will be held the morning of Saturday, Oct. 24, at St. John’s Mercy Hospital.

All Ask the Doctor sessions include refreshments and offer snacks or light meals. Admission is free and reservations are not necessary. For more information, call St. John’s Mercy Hospital Public Relations at 636-239-8234.

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