Student Presenter(s): Jerry Jose
Faculty Mentor: Todd Cohen
Department: Cardiology
School/College: College of Osteopathic Medicine, Long Island

Heart disease is the leading cause of death among men and women in the United States with over 655,000 Americans dying from it every year. With the number of deaths this high, it is evident that there needs to be a greater focus on preventive measures. Individuals and loved ones of those who struggle with heart disease need to be made aware of this problem and how it can be prevented. "Surviving and Thriving with Heart Disease" is an upcoming book by Dr. Todd Cohen that aims to educate those who struggle with heart disease, as well as their loved ones. This book educates readers on the basic anatomy and physiology of the heart, the risk factors associated with heart disease, the different types of heart diseases, and the appropriate prevention, treatment, and intervention methods.

I have created medically accurate drawings to give readers a better understanding of heart disease through visual representations. These illustrations augment the text by further showcasing the anatomy of the heart and how it can change under stressful conditions. Additionally, various treatments and interventions have been illustrated to give readers an idea of how the normal physiological function of the heart can be restored to almost baseline. I have also created the "Know your Numbers" and "Plan B" wallet cards for patients to record their health information and for healthcare providers to use during emergencies. Patients can currently create their own Surviving and Thriving Card at Dr. Cohen's publicly available. All of this will provide individuals with an easy-to-read book filled with illustration to educate them on what it means to survive and thrive with heart disease.