Women’s Health Program Set For April 21 In Southbury

SOUTHBURY — It’s a rare day when Laurie Robinson doesn’t find a newspaper article or television report with conflicting information about women’s health concerns, whether it’s hormone replacement therapy, exercise requirements, or dietary supplements.

“With the tremendous amount of health research focusing on women, coupled with this information explosion, it can be very difficult for women to know what to believe or what to do,” said Ms Robinson, women’s health coordinator for the US Department of Health and Human Services.

Ms Robinson is the keynote speaker at Waterbury Hospital’s “TGIF: Thank God I’m Female” program at the Heritage Inn in Southbury on April 21.

During her speech, Ms Robinson will highlight the changing focus of women’s health research, treatment, and education with an emphasis on women living longer and living well. She will give women advice on how to deal with conflicting health data and provide contact information about agencies and resources that can help women sort fact from fiction. She will also offer suggestions on how health consumers can make smart personal choices.

Ms Robinson will also discuss disease-prevention techniques, as well as barriers to good health. She will touch upon a New England regional women’s health task force report that looks at health insurance, immunizations, injurious falls, depression, and heart disease as they affect women in the aging process.

“We’re living in an exciting time as far as women’s health is concerned. The focus of health research has been changing and now women are very much included,” she said. “One of the additional seminars offered that evening is weight-training for women. I’m very enthusiastic about that because research is showing that strength training can help prevent the advancement of osteoporosis and build stronger, healthier bodies in women of all ages.”

The ninth annual TGIF program begins at 5:30 pm and includes a healthy dinner. Tickets are $22 and can be reserved by sending a check or money order for $22 to: Waterbury Hospital, The Be Well Center, Second Floor, 64 Robbins Street, Waterbury 06721. Registration must be received by April 17. Seating is limited.

After the keynote address, participants can choose to attend two of six mini-seminars. The choices for Seminar Session I are:

“Your Urological Health.” Lisa Olivera, APRN of Urology Specialists will discuss loss of bladder control, a common problem among women and the treatment options available. Prevention and low-intervention options will be stressed.

“Fiscal Fitness.” Financial planner Kimberly Saxton will explain how to build and implement a healthy financial strategy, whether you’re beginning your career or about to retire.

“Fight Osteoporosis and Tone Muscles.” Come dressed down and pump up your muscles with experts from Access Rehab Centers. You don’t need expensive gym equipment to get training. Bring a set of light weights (2 to 5 pounds) and you can attend this introduction to weight-bearing exercise program. Or, just come to watch to see how it is done.

Session 2 will offer the Osteoporosis/Weight-Lifting program as well as:

“Foods and Moods.” Katy Hanlon, a registered dietitian, will talk about why women crave certain foods and how to overcome a nearly irresistible craving.

“Stressed Out! Who Isn’t?” Certified yoga therapist Veronica Kleeman will teach some tricks for releasing the tension in life through mindfulness practice, guided breathing, stretching, and yoga postures.

For more information on “TGIF,” call Waterbury Hospital at 203/573-6257.