Support Groups

You know that to manage your health, it's vital to eat right, exercise and not smoke. But it's also important to build social support among your loved ones. Having the help, care and understanding of others can make a world of difference to your health and well-being. Research shows that this support can reduce medical problems, increase healthy behaviors and help you cope with stress.

In addition to the help of family and friends, you have other options. Meriter is pleased to provide you with two support groups: WomenHeart of Dane County and Healing Hearts. These support groups can offer tremendous understanding, advice and comfort. 

WomenHeart Support Group - A Support Group for Women Living with Heart Disease

Emotional and peer support is vitally important to a woman’s recovery from heart disease. Meriter has joined efforts with WomenHeart of Dane County to provide monthly meetings for women living with heart disease. Meetings offer a safe place for women to share information as well as stories of hope and survival.

The support group is led by a trained patient volunteer who experienced a heart attack in 2006. Since her heart event, she has become an advocate for women - providing education about women and heart disease and the not-so-noticeable signs of a heart attack. Read Bonnie's story.

The meeting is open to women of all ages who are living with heart disease; registration is not required and attendance is free. Topics addressing how to achieve a heart-healthy lifestyle are discussed each month; see schedule below.

The group meets monthly at Meriter's Wellness Center, located at 2501 West Beltline Hwy, Suite 207, in Madison (just off Todd Drive). Meetings are held on the second Saturday of each month from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Effective October 1, the group will meet the first Saturday of each month. For more information, please call Meriter Women’s HeartCare at 608.417.6447.

Upcoming Meetings and Discussion Topics: 
   August 14 – Core Body Exercises and Exercising Safely in the Heat
   September 11 – Using the Mind Body Connection to Reduce Stress
   October 2 – Exercising in the Cooler Months (both indoors and out) plus, learn about Heart Monitors* 
   November 6 – Avoiding Winter and Holiday Weight Gain* 
   December 4 – Resetting Your Expectations for the Holidays*
*Effective October 1, the group will meet the first Saturday of each month.

Healing Hearts Support Group

Reversing heart disease through lifestyle, this support group meets the second Saturday of the month from 9-11 a.m. in the 10 Tower conference room of Meriter Hospital, 202 S. Park Street. This group’s focus is supporting each other in following the lifestyle recommendations put forth by Dr. Dean Ornish in his book "Reversing Heart Disease." The focus is on a low-fat diet, regular exercise and daily stress management practices. The group is open to anyone interested in learning more about this lifestyle. Call (608) 233-9669 or (608) 222-2857 for more information.