The 22nd Annual Women’s Health Day drew an enthusiastic crowd of more than 125 people on March 29 at the Bandon Community Center.
The free event was co-presented by the Southern Coos Health Foundation and Southern Coos Hospital & Health Center and made available free to the public by generous sponsors, including Bain Insurance Agency, Roger Straus in Memory of Anita Straus, Advanced Health, Anne McCaleb CPA, Beach Loop Realty, Violet Flame Collective, Robert S. Miller III, Pacific View Assisted Living & Memory Care, Edward Jones – Office of Amanda Whitlatch, Bandon Chamber of Commerce, South Coast Hospitic & Palliative Care, Ladies of the Lake, Lead With Your Heart, Cheryl Wayte, Bethe Patrick, Ursula Marinelli, and an anonymous donor.
The keynote speaker was Dr. Neil Nathan, who spoke on “Epidemics You May Not Be Aware Of,” including information on how to find the most common causes and treatments for debilitating illnesses, including mold toxicity and Lyme Disease, and how extreme sensitivity and toxicity develop in the body, how sensitivity and toxicity differ, and how they often overlap.
Dr. Nathan’s talk was followed by a medical panel featuring Dr. Hank Holmes and Dr. Jennifer Webster, both family practitioners, along with Dr. Veronica Simmonds, gynecologist and women’s health – who are all providers at Southern Coos Hospital & Health Center. Kristin Nilsen, Usui Reiki Master Teacher, rounded out the panel, who each introduced themselves and fielded many questions from the audience.
Following lunch, which included charcuterie trays on each table as well as soup and salad, the group was introduced to the Bandon School District school nurses, Liz Deters, RN, and Lena Hawthorne, RN. The School Nurse Program is funded by the Foundation and the hospital, in cooperation with the Bandon School District. Deters and Hawthorne emphasized the need for the program along with additional equipment and staff, with the goal of providing care in all three schools.
Stephanie Polizzi, Registered Dietitian, also spoke, talking about “The Fire Within” and how to boost your health through a vegan diet.
A financial panel presented at the end of the day, featuring local attorney Robin Miller, Oregon Pacific Bank trust officer Lisa Amaral, certified public accountant Anne McCaleb, and Edward Jones financial planner Amanda Whitlatch. The panel touched on estate planning, wills, living trusts and other financial matters and the importance of planning ahead.
Vendors included a pop-up shop by the Southern Coos Hospital Gift Shop, along with tables from Southern Coos Hospital, Advanced Health, Coos Health & Wellness, South Coast Hospice, Coos Elderly Services, and Violet Flame Collective.
The event was organized by Southern Coos Health Foundation Executive Director Alix McGinley and SCHF development coordinator Amy Moss Strong, along with several volunteers. Food was provided by the SCHHC Dietary Department.
“This is a wonderful event we can provide for our community,” McGinley said. “We are always excited for the program, which changes every year. The information given and shared is invaluable, and it’s an event that draws women together for an enjoyable day.”
Attendees appreciated the event, with some having attended every Women’s Health Day since its inception, and others who were there for the first time.
Some positive as well as constructive comments were given on a survey following the event:
“Thank you for providing our community with this valuable event.”
“Excellent topics.”
“Loved the lunch, loved the humor some speakers projected to us.”
“Such a wonderful event!”
“Great speakers, maybe could bring speakers that are reflexologist, allergists. Food sensitivities, allergies-how affects daily health. …Thank you and all the sponsors for putting this on. This was my 1st time I could attend. Looking forward to next year.”
“This was my first Women’s Health Day event I enjoyed the topics that were discussed, the food was yummy & it was great meeting new people.”
“Great event, as always. Please, more time to stand up-too much sitting today.”
“Excellent topics. I liked the financial advice.”
“Reinstate the exercise activity done twice during the event.”
“More gluten free and for ingredients to be listed with food.”
“Use breakfast and lunch to provide examples of healthy recipes.”
“Great program & event. Jam packed with valuable info! Maybe longer breaks?”
“Great to hear local experts speak. Lunch was unusual but very good!”
“The speakers were very informative and topics were spot on.”
“This would be great for men as well.”
“Bandon School Nurses well received & great speakers. Nice to have faces for the program.”
“Thank you to everyone who sponsored, volunteered and attended the event,” McGinley said. “We will take all comments into consideration and look forward to seeing you again next year!”
Enjoy some photos from the 22nd Annual Women’s Health Day below:
