BCHS physician to speak on vascular disease and diabetes

Dr. Tarek El Shaarawy received his medical degree from Ain Shams University in Cairo, Egypt. He completed his general surgery residency at New Jersey Medical School and a fellowship in vascular surgery and endovascular surgery at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in New Jersey. He has special interest and extensive experience and training in minimal invasive treatment of varicose veins and endovascular management of venous and arterial disorders. Dr. El Shaarawy is board certified in general and vascular surgery by the American Board of Surgery and is a member of the Battle Creek Health System medical staff. He is affiliated with Mercy Community Physicians, a multi-specialty practice in Battle Creek.

Approximately 10 million Americans have peripheral arterial disease (PAD). This condition occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries and, over time, hardens and narrows the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the head, organs, and most commonly the legs. Those living with diabetes are at greater risk for PAD than others

Dr. Tarek El Shaarawy, board certified vascular surgeon at Battle Creek Health System and member of Mercy Community Physicians, a multi-specialty practice in Battle Creek will speak on 'Diabetes and Vascular Disease' at Burnham Brook Center on Wednesday, September 16. The program, which is free to the public, is sponsored through Senior Health Partners in coordination with Battle Creek Health System.

A lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m. followed by Dr. El Shaarawy's presentation at noon. Seating is limited. Reservations can be made by calling the class/seminar registration line at (877) GO2-BCHS (877-462-2247).

Dr. El Shaarawy's program will review the impact of diabetes regarding circulation and healing, and other important factors in reducing your risk in developing vascular disease, and if diagnosed what are the treatment options.

The vascular system is made up of arteries and veins that carry oxygen-rich blood throughout the body to the vital organs, the brain, and the legs. As we age, our arteries tend to thicken with a buildup of plaque and cholesterol, get stiffer, and grow narrower. When blood flow is restricted, vascular disease like peripheral artery disease can lead to problems walking and in the most advanced cases, foot ulcers, gangrene, and possible amputation.

Senior Health Partners, a community partnership of Battle Creek Health System, CentraCare, Region 3B Area Agency on Aging, and Summit Pointe, works to expand wellness and educational offerings to senior citizens in Calhoun and surrounding counties.

Battle Creek Health System, sponsored by two parent organizations--Trinity Health (the fourth largest Catholic health system in the U.S. with 21 hospitals, 9 nursing homes, 19 senior house facilities, 8 home health care agencies, and 4 hospices in Michigan alone) and BCHS Community Partners, is accredited by the Joint Commission. Battle Creek Health System, a member of the Mercy Cancer Network, is a recipient of the 2008 HealthGrades Orthopaedic Surgery Excellence Award(tm) and 2009 Five Star rated for joint replacement surgery and total knee replacement. HealthGrades is a leading health care information company that provides objective 'report card' ratings nationwide. BCHS provides excellent health care for the community and promotes wellness for the whole person with access and compassion for all. For the latest medical information, visit the BCHS web site at www.bchealth.com or call the BCHS Marketing Departmentat (269) 966-8132.