WESTFIELD AREA Y OFFERS LECTURE ON HOW TO ADVOCATE FOR YOURSELF OR A LOVED ONE IN THE HOSPITAL

The Westfield Area Y is offering an informative lecture on “How to Advocate for Yourself or a Loved one in the Hospital” on Monday, June 16th from 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm at the Main Y Facility, 220 Clark Street in Westfield.   

The lecture is presented by Dr. Peter Pasley, Medical Director of the Saint Barnabas Multi-Specialty Practice in Westfield.  Dr. Pasley will discuss issues regarding medical decision making including living wills, advanced directives, health-care proxies, and will also cover medical testing, therapeutics and how one can be an advocate for themselves or loved ones when faced with a difficult decision. 

“Healthcare today has taken great strides from the Marcus Welby era when the approach could be described as "doctor knows best," says Dr. Pasley.  “With progress comes challenge, and we are all too familiar with the economic toll that modern medicine is having on the country, and the difficulty the nation is having in keeping health care costs down. Modern medicine also comes with a minefield of emotional and, at times, heart-wrenching decisions that can confront families, often with little or no warning.  The most forward thinking physicians of today are doing all they can to help patients understand the complexity of decision making in the current medical environment,” he adds. 

The lecture is free to members and non-members. Bring a bag lunch. Interested participants must register by June 9th online at www.westfieldynj.org or at the Welcome Center of the Main Y Facility.  Please call Lynne Applebaum at (908) 233-2700 x239 or email lapplebaum@westfieldynj.org for additional information. 

The Y is the nation’s leading nonprofit committed to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Visit westfieldynj.org to learn more about Westfield Area Y programs.  Financial assistance is available for those who qualify.