The 24th annual Omaha Women’s Health and Wellness Conference will be Oct. 8, from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the conference will be held online via Zoom.
Free to the public, the conference offers new health insights and encouraging and empowering messages on topics cluding managing anxiety, strategies to address “emotional eating,” preventive measures to stay healthy and detect illness, irritable bowel syndrome, menopause and the evolution of COVID-19.
Continuing nursing education credit will be available for a cost of $30 and 6.50 ANCC contract hours. The registration deadline is Oct. 1.
The conference is hosted by the Olson Center for Women’s Health at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, as well as UNMC, Nebraska Medicine and the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
The sessions are as follows:
Morning sessions:
8 a.m. — “Making Peace with Your Enemies: Understand Your Anxiety to Conquer Your Fears!” will feature Lauren Edwards, MD, UNMC Department of Psychiatry, and Emaan Lehardy, PhD, Nebraska Medicine Psychology Department
Everyone occasionally experiences anxiety, and in most situations, it is manageable. However, for some individuals it can become excessive and interfere with daily life. This session will discuss the function of anxiety and its symptoms, as well as how to manage anxiety when
it becomes severe. Evidence-based coping techniques will be provided.
10 a.m. — “Food & Feelings: Maintaining Healthy Eating Patterns During COVID” will feature Kimberly Vacek, PhD, Patient Centered Medical Home, Nebraska Medicine Bellevue Family Medicine Clinic
It’s undeniable that the stress of the pandemic led to uncertainty for all, which led to altered eating patterns for many. Whether it’s the “quarantine 15” associated with emotional eating or restrictive eating patterns, both frequently increase when control is threatened. This session will discuss strategies for increasing your awareness and acceptance of your eating and emotional patterns while striving for healthy self-care, balanced nutrition and expanding your repertoire of healthy coping skills.
11 a.m. – “Living in a Woman’s World: Understanding the Priority of Your Health” will feature Emily Hill, UNMC Department of Family Medicine, Eagle Run Clinic, and Nicole Goliber, UNMC Department of Family Medicine, Eagle Run Clinic
Women of all ages can take preventive measures to stay healthy and detect illness, based on their individual risk factors. This session will address the recommended screening guidelines for preventing cancer and heart disease, as well as outline dietary and exercise strategies to increase your wellness success.
Afternoon sessions:
1 p.m. — “Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) in Women: Today’s Approach” will feature Kathryn Hutchins, MD, UNMC Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a common condition that can cause many uncomfortable symptoms. Sometimes individuals may think they have IBS but have not yet been diagnosed. This session will define IBS and its subtypes, describe how it is diagnosed clinically and explain the common treatment and management approaches.
2 p.m. — “Modern Menopause: Optimizing Mental and Physical Wellness” will feature Jennifer Griffin, MD, UNMC Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
While misinformation, myths and fears surround menopause for many women, most women can gracefully navigate this life transition feeling stronger and wiser. In this presentation, you will learn what to expect during the time preceding and after the menopause physically, mentally and emotionally. Medical and holistic strategies also will be addressed.
3 p.m. – “The Evolution of COVID-19 and Associated Racial Disparities: A National Emergency” will feature Jasmine Riviere Marcelin, MD, UNMC Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases
This session will discuss the evolution of COVID-19 and describe what actions are needed to end the pandemic. The racial and ethnic disparities that emerged during COVID will be highlighted with identifiable actions that can combat these inequities.
Closing session – “Within Hindsight There is the Deep Wisdom of Insight,” will feature Havalynn Russell, interior life designer.
Russell, who has grown through mental health and addiction recovery challenges, will deliver a thought-provoking presentation about mental health and wellness with messages of inspiration through relatable, personal examples, connected to powerful quotes and empowering take-a-ways.
A valid email address is required to attend the conference via Zoom. Register for the conference online atwww.omahawomenshealthandwellness.com before Oct. 1. For more information, contact the Olson Center for Women’s Health at ljmolczy@unmc.edu or 402-559-6345.
