Edgewater Health’s Jeanyne Davis (l-r), Nina Johnson, and Sandra Campos

Edgewater Health celebrated Women's Health Week

Contributed By:The 411 News

Total health, meaning physical, mental and social were the focus at Edgewater Health’s' celebration of National Women's Health Week, May 9-15.

"It's Our Time! Let's Talk" on May 13, hosted by Nina Johnson, Edgewater's Community Outreach Coordinator and partnering organizations reminded women to make their own health a priority, especially during the outbreak of COVID-19.

One of the messages from Dr. Chantal Walker, MD and Pediatrician, was directed to the sandwich generation -- women caring for children at home and also for parents. "If you don't take care of yourself, you won't be able to care for others."

Dr. Walker asked the women to make an assessment of their own doctors. "If all they do is look and they don't touch and feel, get another doctor." A proper annual physical should include examinations of the breast, cervix and skin, she said.

Dr. Walker encouraged all to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

Family relationships and social networks are important for good health, said Dr. Tanya Rogers, Edgewater's Director for Family and Youth.

At times these relationships fracture and need repair. Or they break completely. When this happens, one of the techniques Dr. Rogers counsels her clients to practice is forgiveness, not blame; to learn to forgive your own self and others. "If you don't learn to forgive, you will not be able to heal."

"You can choose to be happy" Ranelle Allen told the audience. Allen encouraged meditation as a way to exercise the mind and physical activity to exercise the body.

Changes in the body, specifically those that may lead to serious health complications and even death can be up to you to prevent, said Nurse Practitioner Laresse Harris.

Harris gave these statistics: 50% of women diagnosed with cervical cancer never had a Pap smear; breast cancer is the 2nd leading cause of death in U.S. women; and colon cancer is the 3rd leading cause of death in U.S. women.

More than 80 and socially-distanced attendees took part in the conversation held in Edgewater's Resource Center Auditorium. Available to participants were blood pressure and glucose screenings, a health swag bag that included a free blood pressure monitor, and a Grab & Go lunch.

Story Posted:05/19/2021