Women ‘Leap Into Health’ At SGCMH’s Annual Fair
While the coronavirus is the major headline of the day, the 350 to 400 women who attended the annual Women’s Health Fair at Ste. Genevieve County Memorial Hospital (SGCMH) had the opportunity to learn about many more health topics and the health services offered at the hospital.
“The objective of our health fair is to give fairgoers the chance to learn about the health topics that are pertinent to their lives in an enjoyable, relaxing atmosphere,” said Tina Poston, SGCMH director of marketing and community relations. “Our many vendors really add to the fun.”
Health screenings are a mainstay of the fair and dozens took advantage of the total cholesterol, HDL, LDL and triglyceride screenings available for a nominal fee as well as the free blood pressure and pulmonary function tests.
“No one walked away empty-handed,” Poston said. “Our vendors provided plenty of giveaways. This event is as much a social event as it is a way for us to showcase our hospital and let people know the depth of healthcare services and resources that we have to offer.”
Poston said in between visiting the many vendors and hospital information booths, women had the opportunity to hear from a variety of speakers.
Debbie Ramer kicked off the presentations and gave women an introduction to barre fitness — a great way to increase core strength and flexibility. Regine Politte, MSN, FNP-BC, provided a comprehensive overview of diabetes management. Health coach Maria Rottler stressed the importance of having balance in our lives and summarized her four pillars of health: nutrition, rest/stress reduction, water intake, and exercise.
The final presentation was a physician roundtable discussing the dangers of vaping. Drs. Matthew Bosner, Susan O’Donnell and Cristella Torres presented the latest information on the subject.
“Nationwide about 28 percent of high school students and one in 10 middle school students use e-cigarettes,” said Dr. O’Donnell. “What is clear is that e-cigarettes have been found to have chemicals and particles that have been linked to lung disease, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Nicotine is highly addictive and can affect the developing brain, potentially harming teens and young adults.”
Dr. Torres said, “It is very important to keep the lines of communication open with young people and stress to them the hazards of vaping.”
The audience also took the opportunity to ask the panel about the coronavirus.
“Currently there is not vaccine for this virus, so it’s important to take the same common-sense precautions we stress with any flu virus,” said Dr. Bosner. “Get your flu shot, wash your hands with soap and water often, cough or sneeze into your sleeve, and stay home if you’re sick.”
Participants also had a great interest in the new medical office building. Construction was ongoing even on a Saturday, so the planned tours were cancelled, but SGCMH employees were on hand to show photos of the progress. Fingers are crossed that the facility will be able to open the end of March.
“We’d like to thank all of our vendors, participants, hospital employees and volunteers who all help make this annual event a great success,” Poston said. “A special thanks to our major sponsor, Lakenan Insurance, for providing this year’s grand prize of $500, won by Carol Klein of Ste. Genevieve.
“This year’s theme was “Leap into Health,” and we certainly hope all of our participants do just that.”
(Information from Ste. Genevieve County Memorial Hospital.)
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