It was built for the sole purpose of drawing attention to women’s health issues. And judging from the number of visitors, it has been very successful.
My first stop was at the booth for FirstHealth of the Carolinas, where I took a seat with several other women, filled out the necessary form, and proceeded to have a bone density screening done.
The screening produced a printout that was read by Gale Baker of FirstHealth Mobile Health. She explained to me that this screening is something I will want to take to my doctor on my next visit. I may or may not need to have a full-body bone density scan done.
The screening procedure was free and easy to do. Knowing your bone density is very important for good health.
Osteoporosis is a major public-health threat for more than 28 million Americans, 80 percent of whom are women. One in two women over age 50 will have an osteoporosis-related fracture in their lifetime.
There is a theater-in-the-round in the center of the building. Guest speakers on a variety of topics can be heard from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day — many of them giving personal testimony about their medical problems and the ways and means to find help.
Allergies, high blood pressure, rheumatoid arthritis, vision problems, diabetes and many other medical problems are treatable, the speakers remind, and knowledge is the first step to take on the journey to better health.
Having your blood pressure checked can help you stay healthy. A test will tell you if your blood pressure is too high.
High blood pressure can cause problems including stroke, heart disease and damage to organs, such as your heart, kidneys and eyes. Healthy adults should have their blood pressure checked at least every two years.
Visiting the booths in the health center offers something for everyone. “One Body” provided yoga demonstrations conducted by certified instructors. Yoga in the Sandhills features Yoga Fore Golf, a way to bring balance and harmony to your game.
GlaxoSmithKline offers information that is helpful about worry and anxiety and the treatments that are available today. Duke Health and Fitness Center presents an activity assessment and information on the benefits of daily exercise — as well as a nutrition diet quiz to help you improve your eating habits.
The American Cancer Society booth gives a wealth of information about cancer, and the staff was most helpful in answering any and all questions. The American Academy of Dermatology handed out sunscreen, tips on skin care, and self-examination guides for melanoma.
Our own FirstHealth of the Carolinas was center stage on Thursday, speaking on the importance for overall wellness. Alicia Lang, director of women and children’s services, spoke on osteoporosis and the effect on women’s health during menopause. Jean Barrett, assistant director of the cardiac rehab program, spoke on the importance of heart health.
Cinnamon LeBlanc-Young, coordinator of FirstHealth’s Cancer Wellness Program, told us about the benefits of exercise during an illness such as cancer. Pam Hudson, Hospice chaplain, completed the talks with the importance of spirituality in overall wellness. It is comforting to know how much is available to us right here at our local hospital and in our community.
When I asked Millie Larus about what brought her to the Women’s Pavilion, she said: “You could spend all day in this building. It’s a wealth of information.”
Isobel Haddow of Northport, N.Y., a tournament volunteer, said: “This is a great and wonderful opportunity for information on women’s health. They should be at all women’s events.”
