When was the last time you took a day to focus on you? If you’re
like a lot of other women, your days are filled with work and/or kids,
with little time left over for yourself. How would you like to learn how
to restore a little serenity and balance to your life? This year’s
Women’s Conference at Washington Hospital provides an opportunity
to take time out and focus on your health and wellness.
“The Women’s Conference offers a day where women can get together
and learn about a number of health topics, find out more about services
available at the Washington Women’s Center, and meet other women
from the surrounding community,” said Laura Constantine, RN, coordinator
of the Washington Women’s Center. “It’s really about
learning how to live a healthier, more balanced life. We are encouraging
women to bring their mothers, daughters, and sisters. We’d love
to have a multigenerational gathering. Or bring your girlfriends for a
day out that will be fun and informative.”
The 10th annual Women’s Conference will be held from 10 a.m. to 2
p.m. on Saturday, April 16, at the Conrad E. Anderson, MD Auditorium located
at 2500 Mowry Avenue (Washington West) in Fremont. The event costs $25
and includes a continental breakfast and a healthy lunch. Participants
will also receive a special gift. Registration is required by calling
(510) 608-1301.
Speaker Lineup
The Women’s Conference will feature informative talks by physicians
from Washington Hospital and the Washington Township Medical Foundation.
In addition, there will be interactive meditation and Tai Chi sessions
to help participants learn how to de-stress and bring balance to their
lives, Constantine said.
Dr. Mary Maish, a thoracic surgeon who specializes in complex disorders
of the esophagus, will talk about gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD
and some of the treatment options that are available. Many people, including
pregnant women, suffer from heartburn or acid indigestion caused by GERD.
It can often be relieved through diet and lifestyle changes, but some
people require medication or surgery.
Dr. Tam Nguyen, a family physician at the Nakamura Clinic who specializes
in diabetes, will offer tips for weight management. Keeping your weight
under control is important for staying healthy and avoiding diseases like
diabetes and heart disease.
Maggie Gutting, a registered dietitian at Washington Hospital, will provide
a heart healthy cooking demonstration. She will offer tips for making
healthy, delicious meals that are lower in salt, fat, and calories.
In addition, Dr. William Dugoni, medical director of the Women’s
Health Program at Washington Hospital, will provide opening remarks, and
Dr. Victoria Leiphart, a gynecologist who also teaches classes at the
Washington Women’s Center, will moderate the conference and talk
about some of the health and wellness programs available at the Women’s Center.
A Place for Women
The conference is an extension of the women-centered health and wellness
services that are available at Washington Hospital and the Women’s
Center, Constantine explained. The Washington Women’s Center offers
a number of classes and seminars, as well as massage therapy.
Classes include yoga, meditation, and healing touch. There is also an evening
lecture series that includes topics such as women empowering women and
restoring balance to your life. Exercise classes include Zumba, Tai Chi,
and a Ladies Choice Program that offers an individualized exercise plan.
The Women’s Conference will include drawings to win gift certificates
for free wellness massages and exercise classes.
“There are so many wonderful things happening at the Women’s
Center,” Constantine added. “I encourage women to join us
for the Women’s Conference on April 16 and learn about all the resources
that are available to you here at Washington Hospital.”
For more information about programs and services offered at the Washington
Women’s Center, visit www.whhs.com/womenscenter.