Spirit of Women event on tap for June 11

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Women's health will be the focus of an upcoming educational seminar in downtown Fort Scott.

Mercy Health Center will host the second Spirit of Women event of 2009, a program titled "How to Wear Your Genes," at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 11, at the Liberty Theater, 113 S. Main St. During the event, attendees will learn about their heredity and their inherited risk for diseases and other conditions. The program will focus on identifying risk and how women can learn how to prevent or reduce the effects of genetic inheritance on health, a Mercy statement said.

The event will feature a panel of Mercy physicians who will discuss health conditions that have been linked to genetics ranging from cancer and neurological issues to diabetes.

Each Spirit of Women event also includes what organizers call a "health-u-tainment" program. During the June 11 event, as a play on the seminar's title, audience members will learn how to wear their "jeans" during a style show sponsored by Lee Jeans.

"We all know we inherited more than our hair or eye color from our parents, but we don't often stop to think what that means for our health -- or what we can actually do about it," Mercy Health Systems of Kansas Chief Operating Officer Reta Baker said. "This program gets women to think about their genetic pre-dispositions in a fun environment where 'how you wear your jeans' is almost as important as understanding the impact of your 'genes' on your health and quality of life. Women will be exposed to commonly inherited risk factors and learn about lifestyle choices that can make a difference in their lives. All of this wrapped up in our brand of 'health-u-tainment' where serious information is balanced with a seriously good time."

Attendees will learn prevention strategies and action steps women should know about diseases and conditions that run in their family.

Panelists who will speak during the seminar include neurologist Roxane Bremen and oncologist Phu V. Truong, along with a family practice specialist who will discuss the topic of diabetes. Each panelist will make presentations on their specialty and then answer questions from audience members.

Lee Jeans Trend Expert Rachelle Moley will serve as the fashion consultant for the evening and provide tips for women of all body types in choosing attire that suits their body composition, is trendy, and also age appropriate.

The event is free and open to the public, however, tickets are required and are limited to two per person. Tickets are now available at the Mercy Health Center registration desk, 401 Woodland Hills Blvd., the Mercy Medical Plaza registration desk, 902 S. Horton St., and the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, 231 E. Wall St.

For more information about the event, call (620) 223-2200, extension 2610.

The Spirit of Women Health Network is a national coalition of hospitals and health care facilities in more than 80 U.S. cities, including Mercy Health Center, joined together to improve women's health by inspiring access and action on local, regional and national levels.

For more information about Spirit of Women, visit www.spiritofwomen.com.