Women's Health Activities Planned

May 3, 2001

The Women''s Health Center of Excellence at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center is sponsoring several public events to encourage women - who often spend time caring for others - to nurture themselves.

Events during National Women''s Health Week, May 13-19, are:

Women''s Health Day: 1 p.m.- 4 p.m., May 12, Wellspring Whole Foods Market, 41 Miller Street. Cooking demonstrations and information on women''s health.

Women and Depression: noon, May 15, Nutrition Center Conference Rooms on the Medical Center Campus, Medical Center Blvd. Brenda Penninx, M.D., assistant professor of geriatrics, will present a research-focused lecture, "Depression in Old Age: Why Are More Women Affected?"

Unlocking the Mystery of Lupus: 8 a.m.-10:30 a.m., May 16, Sticht Center on Aging and Rehabilitation auditorium on the Medical Center campus, Medical Center Boulevard. Also sponsored by the Lupus Foundation of America Inc. and the Winston-Triad chapter, the event will be a combination of local speakers and highlights from The National Town Hall Meeting satellite broadcast from Capitol Hill. Registration and exhibits open at 8 a.m.; the program begins at 8:30 a.m.

Charles McCall, M.D., professor of infectious diseases at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, will speak on "Lupus and the Double-edged Sword of Immunity." Dr. Earl Watts, associate professor of cardiology, and Carole Bryant, R.N., will present research highlights. A local patient will share her story. The national panel will include physicians, researchers, and representatives from national health organizations who will discuss the latest in diagnosis, treatment and management of lupus.

Lupus, a chronic inflammatory disease primarily of the connective tissue, affects more than 1.4 million Americans, primarily women during the childbearing years. It can be fatal without early diagnosis. For information, call 768-1493.

Other events are

Real Talk for Real Women: 6 p.m., June 13 at Happy Hill Garden Community Center, 920 Mock Street. Are those unwanted pounds keeping you down? This program will provide tips on healthier eating and cooking. Real women will talk about their struggles and successes with weight loss. All participants will receive free nutritional guides. To register, call 713-4220.

Exercise Class for Real Women: 12:30 p.m., June 9 at Women''s Wellness & Fitness Center, Pavilions Shopping Center. Designed for larger women, the class teaches how to modify exercise routines and how to normalize eating and exercise behavior.
Certified instructors Helen Naples and Rae Taber will also discuss six strategies for achieving optimal health, energy and wellness. To register, call 713-4220.

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