CABOT - Nurses at Concordia Lutheran Ministries have a lot of good things to say. That's why they are offering to speak for free to groups in the community on a variety of health-related topics.

Although in the past Concordia has provided speakers on request, the organization began promoting the CLM Speakers Bureau this year, said Shirley Freyer, director of public relations and development.

"Before, it was reactive - and now it's more proactive," Freyer said of the service, explaining the timing was meant to correspond with scheduling for businesses and groups, who often plan events early in the year.

Since Concordia consists of retirement apartments, skilled nursing facilities and assisted living facilities in Butler and Allegheny counties, the staff has knowledge of various topics.

"We have hundreds of nurses who are available and very willing to do these kinds of things," said Freyer, who noted the seminar themes extend beyond those pertinent to aging.

Possible seminar topics listed in the brochure include Medicare, medical assistance, long-term care, insurance, estate planning, healthy living, CPR certification and pharmacy and medication management.

As the result of a January mailing, a Concordia speaker was requested by Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Freedom, Beaver County.

The topic for that program was Healthy Living, said Diane O'Palka, team leader of ministry of service at the church.

"The visiting nurse came out and gave a 30-minute talk on being heart smart, how to recognize a heart attack, how to recognize a stroke and various tips on healthy lifestyle," O'Palka said.

The seminar also included a blood pressure screening and pulse oximetry screening, which measures the concentration of oxygen in the blood in order to detect respiratory problems.

Since 15 people attended the seminar, O'Palka said time was available for one-on-one dialogue between speaker and attendees, which added to the seminar's success.

"They were very open to the information that she provided us. She brought materials, handouts, questions to ask when they go to a doctor. ... Overall, she spent a lot of time with each individual giving one-on-one tips.

"When it was over, they were very pleased," O'Palka said of the attendance, adding the Concordia representatives were slated to return for a flu shot clinic next fall.

Freyer said another church has arranged for speakers in April, May and June for talks that will address stress on caregivers, the importance of an active lifestyle and hospice care.

"It doesn't have to be a one-time thing," Freyer said of the upcoming programs. "It can be a series of talks." Freyer also said the talks might appeal to groups outside religious settings. Women's groups and other community organizations might want to consider scheduling speakers, she added.

Freyer also stressed the health topics can be for any age group. "Even if you think about the topics that we've done. They certainly don't just refer to seniors. Hospice care is for anyone who is terminally ill. Stress-free lifestyles: That's all of us."

The purpose of the outreach is to educate the public and to share information, she said.

For more information on the CLM Speakers Bureau, contact Freyer at 724-352-1571, Ext. 266. Freyer is based at Concordia's Marwood Road facilities.