Conference aims to improve women’s lives, health

Renaisa Anthony, M.D., will speak at the conference.

Renaisa Anthony, M.D., will speak at the conference.

The 16th annual Omaha Women’s Health and Wellness Conference will be held Friday, Oct. 11, at the La Vista Conference Center, 12520 Westport Parkway. The conference will focus on ways to enrich the lives and health of women.

A variety of health screenings will be offered at no charge, including blood pressure, glaucoma, balance and posture, body mass index, cardiovascular and oral health. Low-cost screenings, including lipid profile, glucose profile and complete blood count, will be available for $17, and a thyroid-stimulating hormone test will be available for $7. Flu shots will be offered for $15.

Keynote speakers are:

  • Breakfast session: “Happy, Healthy and Terrific: Strategies for Creating a Balanced Life.”
    Viv Ewing, Ph.D., president of the Alzheimer’s Association Midlands Chapter, addresses the dilemma of not having enough time to get everything done and will share practical strategies for effectively balancing family, career, and self.

  • General session: “Sex, Lies and Videotapes: Women’s Sexual Health Across the Lifespan.”
    Renaisa Anthony, M.D., deputy director of UNMC’s Center for Reducing Health Disparities, will lead a discussion on women’s sexual health across the lifespan with information to ensure optimal sexual health.

  • Luncheon session: “Strong, Beautiful You!”
    Kelly Fairbanks, Psy.D., clinical psychologist at The Nebraska Medical Center, will include simple thought and behavior strategies that boost self-image by replacing imperfections and insecurities with courage and confidence.

  • Closing session: “Jesus Take the Wheel: Two Hearts Fighting Together.”
    Missy Givens, two-time non-Hodgkins lymphoma fighter, will talk about her triumph over cancer.

Participants will choose from two afternoon breakout sessions that include topics on:

  • Positive parenting.
  • Death, divorce, breakup and loss.
  • Family rules and roles to follow or avoid during a health crisis.
  • Realistic mealtime.
  • Respect and rights in relationships — bringing intimate partner violence to light.
  • Improving the doctor-patient relationship.

The conference, which is open to the public, will run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Registration deadline is Oct. 4. The cost of the conference is $59, which includes continental breakfast, lunch, lectures and exhibits. Continuing nursing education credit is available for an additional $30.

For more details about the conference or for a registration form, call the Olson Center for Women’s Health at (402) 559-6345, or log on to Conference updates also can be found on the conference’s Facebook page.