PRCC Women''s Health Symposium set for Jan. 29

Submitted by braswell on January 7, 2011 – 1:57pm

POPLARVILLE – Pearl River Community College will host the fifth annual Women Health Symposium on Saturday, Jan. 29, 2011, in Crosby and Seal halls on the Poplarville campus. Cost is $20 and includes a continental breakfast and luncheon. Keynote speaker will be Sally Baskey, a motivational speaker known for using humor to cope with change and get through life. The symposium starts at 8 a.m. in Crosby Hall with free health screenings. The screenings will be available until 10 a.m.An art walk, featuring the work of area artists, will take place at the same time. PRCC instructor Trevor Hunt will play guitar during the art walk. Participants will be able to choose to attend two of eight informational sessions before the luncheon.

The Pearl River Community College Women’s Health Symposium is an event which, as documented in a number of health reports, is needed in Mississippi and especially in our area, said Dr. Becky Askew, chair of the symposium steering committee. The symposium will raise the awareness of the women in this region regarding the need for changes in lifestyles in order to improve the personal health and fitness of our citizens. Two important results of this symposium will be that those attending will be better educated regarding their health and will have information which will be helpful in their making positive decisions which will improve not only their lives but also the lives of others around them. The concurrent sessions will be at 9:50 and 10:40 a.m. in Seal Hall. Topics are:nNormal is Gone and It Wont Be Back! By Janie Walters of Champion Communications. Financial Planning Basics for Your Financial Well-Being by Michelle Mabry of Wealth Management Consultants.nExercise, No Gym Needed! Anywhere, Anytime, Any Age and Any Level by PRCC instructor Julie Pierce. Protecting Yourself – Legally Speaking by assistant district attorney Monya Creel. What Should Happen at My Yearly Exam? By Dr. Melissa Holland of Hattiesburg Clinic.nJust the Facts, Girls! (How to take care of yourself at any age) by Dr. Virginia Crawford of the University of Southern Mississippi. Caregiving and Taking Care of the Caregiver by Kathy Van Cleave, director of the Alzheimer Disease Division of the state Department of Mental Health.nPrevention of Heart Disease by Dr. Benjamin Rester of Hattiesburg Clinic. The luncheon begins at 11:15 a.m. in Crosby Hall. Baskey is a former Actors Studio instructor who went on to a 25-year career with a major oil company where she demonstrated a strength for managing technical areas as a non-technical person. Her book, Laughter, My Drug of Choice, shares her philosophy of using a sense of humor to deal with change.In addition to Baskey presentation, the luncheon will include entertainment by The Voices, PRCC jazz vocal ensemble, and the presentation of doors prizes and favors. The health fair will include free blood pressure, blood glucose/cholesterol, posture analysis, hearing and memory screenings, lung function assessment, chair massages, manicures and paraffin wax treatment for arthritis and information about women health issues, including stress management, nutrition and hormones, tobacco awareness and cancer.The art walk will be open during the health fair and after the luncheon. Area artisans will offer a variety of works for sale, including oil, watercolor, and mixed media; jewelry, hand-made skin care products, hand-painted frames, quilts, jackets, drawings and pottery. Registration materials are available by calling 601 403-1317 or by emailing womenshealthsymposium@prcc.edu. The materials also are available for downloading on the PRCC Website at www.prcc.edu.

Each community college president is asked to bring two (2) wrapped door prizes, minimum value of $50 each. We will have a station set up at the conference for you to drop off the door prizes.

Each community college is asked to provide name tags for their Board members, administration, and staff attending the conference.