Community Healthcare System Hospitals Present Extraordinary Women’s Conference

Community Healthcare System Hospitals Present Extraordinary Women’s Conference

For its first year, the Extraordinary Women’s Conference drew in quite a crowd. Held at the Center for Performing Arts in Munster, this day was for and all about women’s health.

Debra Gruszecki, Director of Marketing & Community Relations for St. Catherine Hospital, explained, “Women are so busy in today’s world now. They’re working, they’re managing family, so they don’t always have a lot of time to get screenings, they don’t always have time to go to the doctor. They don’t have time to think about being healthy themselves, because they’re the caregivers.” Continuing, she said, “So this is a way for us to kind of be caregivers to each other. We decided this would be a fun way they could come in all in one pop-- they could sign up for screenings, they could hear some really innovative authors, and listen to what the latest is in good health management.”

Beginning with a light breakfast, the day offered a multitude of free health screenings and several speakers on women’s health concerns, while vendors offered information on their health services along with prize drawings. There was even a free “photo booth” for fun. Plus, a free “swag” bag was given to attendees as well with goodies like a salad shaker, notepad and pen, and information on other upcoming events.

The keynote speaker was David Grotto, a registered dietitian and author of several books, including “The Best Things You Can Eat”, which was sold and signed by the author at the event. His informative and lighthearted presentation debunked common nutrition myths and shared ways to enjoy the foods we all love.

Other presentations included: Botox & Beyond - ABCs of Botox with Plastic Surgeon David Robinson, MD; “Hott” Topics: Highs & Lows of Hormones with OB/Gyn Kimberly Arthur, MD; Anti-Aging: Integrative Medicine with Family Practitioner Karin Patterson, DO; and Mental Health: Stress Relief with Psychiatrist Joseph Fanelli, MD.

Doris, an attendee of the conference, said she loves attending these types of events. “I came all the way from Lowell, so I’m coming!” She talked about all the information there is to take in as well. “My husband said, “Why don’t you call your sister in law, Lauren?,” Doris told me. “I said no, I think I just want to be by myself, I don’t want to be like “where are you at?”, this is MY day.”

And that’s just what is was, for myself and several other women. It was our day.