A Consortium for Health Supports National Marfan Awareness Month

Have a Heart ~ Save a Life

San Rafael , CA , December 5 --  People with the Marfan syndrome can reasonably expect to live a normal lifespan despite the life-threatening heart complications they face – if they are diagnosed with the disorder and receive proper treatment. Unfortunately, tens of thousands of people who have this condition are not diagnosed and are at risk of an early, sudden death due to a tear or rupture of their aorta, the large blood vessel near their heart.

National Marfan Awareness Month – February – is an ideal time to spread awareness of the Marfan syndrome. Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects the connective
tissue. In Marfan syndrome, the connective tissue is defective. Because connective tissue is found throughout the body, Marfan syndrome can affect many body systems, including the skeleton, eyes, heart and blood vessels, nervous system, skin and lungs. Aneurysms of the aorta (main artery that carries blood away from the heart) are the main cause of death in this disorder.

The good news is that, with a diagnosis, lifestyle adaptations (no contact or competitive sports), medication and, when necessary, surgery, people with Marfan syndrome have the hope of living a long lifespan. While life-long vigilance is required to manage the various problems caused by the disorder, they can avoid an aortic dissection or rupture which could be fatal.

“Research and increasing awareness are key elements to helping people with this disorder,” says Dr. Heidi Law, DC, founder of A Consortium for Health, and a Northern California Chapter of the National Marfan Foundation board member.

A Consortium for Health Gets Involved

This year, in conjunction with National Marfan Awareness month, A Consortium for Health will help raise funds for the National Marfan Foundation’s Hang a Heart campaign by selling beautifully designed red paper hearts in their office. The hearts will be available for purchase ~ $2 to $5, or more, for each ~ beginning in January.  “By Valentines Day, our office will be decorated with these beautiful hearts that people have purchased,” says Dr. Law. 100% of the funds raised will be sent to the NMF on February 15.

If you are an individual or business that wants to help the NMF by participating in this campaign, please contact A Consortium for Health at 415-457-9111.

A Consortium for Health

A Consortium for Health, a chiropractic and healing center in San Rafael , opened in 2006. Its members are Heidi Law, DC, Robert Adamich, DC, Alejandra Robles, DC, and Amy Matthaei, MA. Visit www.AConsortiumForHealth.com for more information.

The National Marfan Foundation

The NMF was founded in 1981 to provide accurate and timely information about the disorder to patients, family members and physicians; to serve as a resource for medical information and patient support; and to support and foster research. Visit the NMF’s web site – www.marfan.org – to get more information about the disorder