Mount St. Mary's Hospital finalizes plans for 9th annual conference on women's health care

Participant registration and display booths still available

Mount St. Mary's Hospital will host the ninth annual "Conference on Healthcare for Women - Love the Skin You're In" to raise awareness among women in the local community on a wide array of issues and actions that can help improve their health. This year's conference is Saturday, Oct. 8, at The Conference & Event Center Niagara Falls.

The event features speakers, demonstrations and displays, a luncheon and health-related breakout sessions. Registration is $20 for the entire conference. Advance registration is encouraged, as space is limited to the first 350 attendees.

Area residents Kate Cumbo and Tanya Miller are co-chairs of the conference. The entire program is sponsored by the Center for Women at Mount St. Mary's Hospital.

The day opens at 8 a.m. with registration and a continental breakfast. At 9 a.m., the conference will begin with remarks by Mount St. Mary's President and CEO Gary Tucker. Norma C. Panahon, M.D., psychiatrist, will be the keynote speaker on the topic of "Shine Your Light."

Participants will be offered a variety of informational displays and live demonstrations including:

•Women's health screenings by Catholic Health WomenCare (bone density, blood pressure, cholesterol, body mass index, pulse ox/oxygen saturation)

•Bra fitting - Victoria's Secret/Erica Gordon

•Acupuncture - Destin Radder, licensed acupuncturist

•Holistic health - Embody Health & Wellness, Ami Patrick/Megan Stackman         

•Makeup and hair - Hair Chateau, Tammy DeVoe and Jessie Rodriquez

•Managing/understanding nutraceuticals - Andrea Rosati

•Diabetes information - Megan Kosmoski, diabetes patient educator                       

•Balance - Lindsey Schultz and Kristin Barnard

•3-D mammography - Hologic New Technology Demonstration

Health and education informational sessions at 10:15 and 11:15 a.m. will include:

•Dizziness and vestibular therapy with Dr. Justin Miller, otolaryngologyist, and Kristin Barnard, Mount St. Mary's outpatient rehab           

•Vascular disease with Dr. Aimee Swartz (Vascular & Endovascular Center of WNY)

•Guidelines for the prevention of stroke in women with Dr. Zina Hajduczok, cardiologist    

•"Your Guide Through Menopause" with Dr. Rachel Weselak

•Breast cancer Q&A with Dr. Sharmilee Thota

•"Skin Cancer: What to Look For?" with Dr. Anne M. Ramsdell (Niagara Dermatology)

A lunch at noon will feature a panel of health care experts taking questions from the audience.

The programs are subject to change. The conference will conclude at 2:15 pm.

Those interested in displaying at or attending the conference can call 716-298-2146.