Participants take part in one morning and one afternoon workshop of their choice.
Morning Workshops (10:45 a.m.):
Afternoon Workshops (1:15 p.m.):
Alternative Therapies for Gynecology Problems
The use of complimentary and alternative medicines is increasing and has become commonplace. But just because they are natural, that does not make them safe. This workshop will focus on the most common alternative therapies used in gynecology as well as their efficacy and their safety.
Speakers: Gladys Gibbs, MD, MS, Division Director of HVMA OB/GYN at Brigham and Women’s Hospital; licensed acupuncturist Jane Stevens, RN, NP, Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates
Managing Emotional Eating
If you eat in response to your feelings, especially when you are not hungry, you may be suffering from emotional eating. Learn how to recognize when your emotions are guiding your appetite and ways to curb unhealthy eating habits.
Speaker: Marc O’Meara, RD, LDN, Department of Nutrition, Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Dermatological Laser Treatment for All Skin Types
Using the most advanced technology, lasers are now being used for the treatment of vascular lesions, skin imperfections and unwanted hair with great success. This workshop will introduce you to state-of-the-art methods of laser treatment available to women of all skin types.
Speaker: Deborah A. Scott, MD, Director, Women’s Health Program, Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Varicose Veins: The Non-surgical Solution
Varicose veins can be eliminated through a revolutionary and virtually painless procedure called endovenous laser ablation. This workshop will discuss this fast and relatively easy way to rid yourself of varicose veins.
Speaker: Richard A. Baum, MD, Chief, Division of Angiography and Interventional Radiology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Chocolate: Friend or Foe?
Recently there has been a flurry of news reports mentioning that researchers have found health benefits from chocolate. Do these reports have a practical application? Join this workshop that will review current research findings and offer the opportunity to sample chocolate!
Speaker: Beth Klos, RD, LDN, Department of Nutrition, Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Advance Directive: What Is It And Why Do You Need One?
Many people have strong feelings about the kind of medical care they would like to receive or refuse in circumstances when they are unable to make medical decisions on their own. This workshop will educate you about living wills, durable power of attorneys and do not resuscitate (DNR) orders and help you to make important decisions about your care.
Speaker: Martha Jurchak, RN, PhD, Assistant Director, Ethics Service, Center for Bioethics, Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Financially Fit
If you are like most women, you are the driving force behind keeping the household together for your family. But are you as financially confident as you would like to be? In this workshop you will learn how to decode what’s happening on Wall Street (from the co-author of the book Decoding Wall Street) and how to put your financial life in order so that you can be secure even during more challenging times such as widowhood or divorce.
Speaker: David Caruso, CFP, Chairman and CEO, Coastal Capital Group
Heart Healthy Cooking
Cooking can be fun and, if done properly, can dramatically improve your heart health and reduce your risk for cardiovascular disease. This workshop, sponsored by Pfizer, Inc., will provide nutrition information and include a cooking demonstration by a local chef.
Speakers: Kathy McManus, RD, Director, Department of Nutrition, Brigham and Women’s Hospital; Steven Brand, Chef, Upstairs on the Square, Cambridge
Weight Loss Surgery: Know Your Options
Are you or a loved one severely overweight? Learn how to begin living a healthier life through permanent weight loss. This workshop will present information on surgical treatment options for obesity, including eligibility criteria for weight loss surgery, surgical options and expected outcomes.
Speaker: Ashley H. Vernon, MD, Division of General and Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Stress and the African-American Woman
Stress impacts each woman differently, and many of the stressors we encounter can be specific to a community. In this workshop, we will address factors that contribute to and are most relevant for African-American women and their families.
Speaker: JudyAnn Bigby, MD, Medical Director, Community Health Program, Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Managing Migraine Pain
There is a misconception that migraine refers to the severity of the headache. Migraines can be severe but the symptom that defines a migraine is if it is episodic or not, triggered by certain environmental or physical events. This workshop will discuss the physiological causes of migraine and advances in management and treatment of people who have them.
Speaker: Edgar L. Ross, MD, Director, Pain Management Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Memory Loss: What’s Normal, What’s Not?
Memory loss can be a common symptom of menopause, stress, fatigue, depression and other medical issues. Discover the underlying causes of memory loss, learn how you can address lapses in memory, and understand the difference between common lapses in memory and conditions that require medical attention.
Speaker: Reisa Sperling, MD, Neurologist, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Bladder Health: Common Concerns
Frequent urination and urinary incontinence is a common problem that is seldom talked about – affecting the daily activities and lifestyles of women of all ages. Find out more about the causes of these conditions and novel new treatments ranging from exercise and medication to outpatient surgical procedures.
Speaker: Neeraj Kohli, MD, MBA, Director, Division of Urogynecology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Hectic Heartbeat: Women and Arrhythmias
Irregular heartbeats called arrhythmias can cause palpitations, light-headedness, fainting, fatigue, shortness-of-breath and chest discomfort. Managing heart rhythm problems in women requires important gender-specific considerations. Many arrhythmias can be effectively managed with medication or even cured with catheter procedures. This workshop will discuss the most up-to-date techniques and procedures.
Speaker: Usha Tedrow, MD, MS, Director, Program for Women and Arrhythmias, Cardiovascular Division,Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Common GI Conditions in Women
Conditions such as stomach irritation, heartburn, gallstones, and colon cancer are common digestive problems that are experienced by over 95 million Americans. Find out more about these disorders and treatments that are available.
Speaker: Linda Lee, MD, Gastroenterologist, Division of Gastroenterology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital
To register for Women's Health Forum 2005, call 1-800-BWH-9999, or use our online registration form.
