Fourth 'Girls' Night Out' Planned
NORTH ADAMS - The Reach Community Health Foundation will sponsor its fourth "Girls' Night Out" event on Monday, April 28, in the North Adams Regional Hospital reception area from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.For the fourth installment of Girls' Night Out, Reach for Breast Health is shifting its focus to mothers.
Mothers of all ages are invited to attend and celebrate women's health. There will be healthful snacks and beverages available, as well as information on health and wellness issues of special importance to women, with an emphasis on calcium. The program is free and open to all women, even those who are not mothers. Those interested in attending are encouraged to call Reach at 664-5326 to register.
"We are turning the spotlight on mothers for this Girls’ Night Out," said program manager Polly Macpherson. "This event is designed to be fun, but at the same time emphasize the many elements that make up a women’s overall health and well-being."
Women will have the opportunity to talk to a range of professionals about their health. Registered dietitians Kristin Irace and Jaimi Tudor will talk to women about their diets and offer snacks to taste test.
The American Cancer Society will have booklets and resource materials on women and cancer as well as Relay for Life information. Women may obtain a confidential health consultation from nurse practitioner Liz Toomajian.
Those over age 40 who have not had their mammograms this year will be able to schedule appointments with staff from NARH's Medical Imaging Department. Reach staff will also schedule appointments for the free Women's Health Screening Program sponsored monthly. The screening is for women who have no health insurance or whose health insurance does not pay for routine health screenings.
"Wellness, knowing your health risks and status, and feeling and looking good are important issues to all women," said Macpherson. "We invited local businesses who help women achieve these goals to join us."
The Clip Shop of Williamstown and Avon will have representatives available for beauty consultations. Attendees may sign up for a 10-minute complimentary massage from the massage therapists of Bless'd Body Massage and In Touch Day Spa. Maggie Bittman will offer the stress-buster workshop "Twenty Minutes for You."
New to this event will be information on bone-density scans offered at the hospital. Women should schedule a baseline bone-density scan once they have reached menopause. Information on calcium and its relation to bone health will be available, as well as nutritious calcium-related snacks.
Reach for Breast Health serves the women of North Berkshire county. Macpherson is a certified breast health navigator and serves as program manager. The program is supported in part by a grant from the Susan G. Komen Foundation Inc., a major gift from Paul Newman and individual gifts and contributions.
The Reach Community Health Foundation is a nonprofit subsidiary of Northern Berkshire Healthcare. Its mission is to improve the health and wellness of the Northern Berkshire community through education, outreach, programming and advocacy in collaboration with community members and organizations.
Women are encouraged to register by calling 413-664-5326. Walk-ins are welcome as well. For more information, call 413-664-5170 or 413-664-5326.
