Mount St. Mary's Hospital plans annual health care conference for women

For the fourth year in a row, Mount St. Mary's Hospital and Health Center will host "A Conference on Healthcare for Women" 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 daylong conference, which focuses on family health, is Saturday, Oct. 22, at the Conference Center Niagara Falls.

The event features speakers, a luncheon and fashion show, and health information displays. Registration is $15 for the entire conference. Advanced registration is encouraged, as space is limited.

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 Judith Maness. Allison Clarke, founder of Flashes of Hope, a nonprofit organization that changes the way children with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses see themselves through photography, is the conference's keynote speaker and takes to the stage at 9:30 a.m.

At 10:15 a.m. there will be a series of informational displays including:

• Foot checks with Dr. Jude Violante and Lois Violante assisting
• Flower arrangements by Lorelie Luther, RD, and Woodykins Creations
• Hair chateau by Tammy Bundrock-DeVoe and Jenna McCaa
• Seatbelt safety by the Niagara Falls Police Department
• Jewelry: "Small Indulgences" by Mary Ann Culbert

• Yoga with Laura Vendryes
• Zumba by Kayla Fyfe
• Holistic with Ami Patrick of Embody Health & Wellness

At 11 a.m. there will be information sessions and demonstrations including:

Session A) Child care with Virginia Wolbert of Mount St. Mary's Child Care Center

Session B) Spiritual care with the Rev. Lora Allen

Session C) Stress with Cheryl Blacklock, executive director of Mental Health Association of Niagara County

Session D) Heart health for women with Dr. Zina Hajduczok, Dr. Arif Syed and Caitlin Briggs, NP

Session E) Osteoporosis and spinal stenosis with neurosurgeon Dr. Young Jae Yu 

A fashion show featuring Tony Walker fashions will be part of the luncheon at noon. At 1:15 p.m. the information sessions continue and informational displays will be repeated. Afternoon sessions include:

Session A) Headaches: treatment and management with neurologist Dr. Baljinder Singh

Session B) Stress with Blacklock

Session C) Breast cancer awareness: "Stereotactic Biopsy: A Nonsurgical Approach," presented by Kathy Lahendro, AAS, RT, stereotactic specialist for United Medical Systems

Session D) Cooking demonstration and wine pairing with Deb Hoffman, RD, CDE, CDN, and Joseph Scarcelli, Ph.D., of Niagara University

The conference adjourns at 2:30 p.m.

Support has been received from BlueCross BlueShield of WNY, Buffalo Emergency Associates, Exigence Group, Girl Scouts of Western New York, Health System Services, Independent Health, Mary Kay, Medtronic, Mount St. Mary's Center for Wound Healing, Niagara Falls Police Department, Niagara Hospice, Niagara University College of Nursing, Phillips Lytle LLP and Tops Markets. Throughout the day, non-profit agencies from the Niagara community will have displays, as will numerous clinical departments of Mount St. Mary's Hospital.

For reservations or information, call 716-298-2697 or 716-298-2146. Reservations are limited.