Spirit Of Women Event Helps Energize Healthy Lifestyles

DANBURY — Danbury and New Milford Hospitals, affiliates of Western Connecticut Health Network, invite the community to the Third Annual Spirit of Women Day of Dance on Saturday, March 3. The activity-filled Day of Dance takes place at the Ethan Allen Hotel, 21 Lake Avenue Extension, from 10 am to 2 pm.

Breakfast and lunch will be provided.

For nearly a decade, Spirit of Women hospitals across the country have been joining together to take a stand against heart disease through Day of Dance. Western Connecticut Health Network’s heart-healthy day combines physician-led education classes, dance demonstrations, and health screenings throughout the day.  

The day begins with welcoming remarks by Shohreh Shahabi, MD, FACOG, followed by heart health discussion titled “Pump Up Your Heart” presented by Susan Mani, MD, medical director, Women’s Cardiac Program, The Praxair Regional Heart and Vascular Center at Danbury Hospital.

Physician-led interactive sessions include:

*Fitness: A Family Affair — Endocrinologist Rita Landman, MD, Carolyn Couture, MD, internal medicine, exercise physiologists Molly Gill, MS, CES, and Doug Ballard, speak to and demonstrate how to stay active within your daily routine. Get ideas for safe and fun activities that you can do at home and at work to burn calories.

*No Bones About It: Preventing Osteoporosis — Rick Pope, MPAS, PA-C, and Lisa Lee Norte, Strong Women, Strong Bones instructor, discuss ways to prevent osteoporosis, including calcium supplements and weight-bearing activities to keep your bones healthy.  

*Sexuality & Hormones — Mark Leondires, MD, Obstetrics/Gynecology & Reproductive Medicine, talks about hormones and sexuality for women of every age.  At the end of the session, attendees will participate in an energizing fitness routine with Zumba instructor Roxane Angotta.

*Genetics & Jeans: One Size Does Not Fit All — Shohreh Shahabi, MD, Valerie L. Staradub, MD, FACS, medical director, Breast Care Program, and genetics counselor Shannon Morrill-Cornelius, MS, CGC, discuss how genetics is a uniquely personal fit in terms of your health. Understanding your family history can help you minimize your risk for disease.  Attendees at this session will learn about controversies surrounding women’s cancers, and what research is being conducted for a promising future. Fitness instructor Roxane Angotta teaches participants a Zumba fitness routine.    

*Shaping Up for Financial Fitness — Other things aside, money and finances can cause a great deal of stress and health related concerns. Join financial counseling experts Carolyn Silliman and Dave Zavarelli as they provide tips on managing finances to keep you and your family’s stress levels low. In addition, an integrative medicine approach on how to develop a relaxation routine will also be offered.

*What’s Up Down There! (Urology/Gynecology) — For most women, urinary incontinence of some form is a common concern. That’s why urogynecologist Jeanette Rivera, MD, and internal medicine physician Kavita Joshi, MD, talk about some of the causes and the most recent advances available to eliminate these symptoms.

*Sleep … The Impossible Dream? — Jose Mendez, MD, regional director for Sleep Medicine, and Joseph Fawley, RRT/RPSGT, sleep study technician, talk about common causes of sleep disturbances versus sleep disorders, and when it is time to consider a sleep study.

*Integrative Medicine — General surgeon Kirstin Pilchard, MD, Sasha Chalif, MS, MP, and Peggy O’Shea, RN, discuss the benefits of integrative medicine in the healing process.  

 A guest speaker presentation on “Laughter — A Good Exercise for Your Heart” with Joe Gillotti, certified laughter yoga instructor, explores how a healthy lifestyle can be a fun and energizing experience.

The event is free to Spirit Members. To become a member, sign up at DanburyHospital.org/spiritofwomen, or NewMilforHospital.org/spiritofwomen.

To register for Day of Dance, call 866-374-0007, or go to www.DanburyHospital.org/dayofdance.