Washington Hospital Women's Conference Offers Tips for Better Health and Wellness

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.