13th Annual TGIF Explores  Vibrant Sexual Health At Every Age

SOUTHBURY — Thank God I’m Female (TGIF), the popular women’s wellness forum hosted by Waterbury Hospital, will take place at the Southbury Hilton from 5 to 9 pm on Friday, April 16. The theme of the forum is “Vibrant Sexual Health At Every Age.” Women will learn how the natural aging process affects sexual health, as well as how advancements in medical technology and pharmaceuticals are offering enhancements to women’s sexuality in their later years. A second panel will explore body image and its impact on sexual health.

A buffet dinner will be served. Tickets are $25 each. To request an invitation, call 203-573-7587. The premiere corporate sponsor for the evening is Home Care Professionals. Underwriters include Diagnostic Radiology Associates, Sovereign Bank, and Western Connecticut State University.

A dinner buffet and sponsor showcase will precede the keynote address by author and lecturer Gina Barreca. Dr Barreca is the author of the best-selling They Used to Call Me Snow White, But I Drifted (now in its 19th printing); Perfect Husbands (and Other Fairy Tales); and Too Much of a Good Thing is Wonderful, among others.

Dr Barreca is professor of English literature and feminist theory at the University of Connecticut. She has served as an advisor to the Library of Congress for work on humor and the American character. An award-winning columnist for The Hartford Courant, Dr Barreca’s work also has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Chicago Tribune and dozens of magazines. Dr Barreca’s keynote address is titled, “Why Funny is Sexy and Sex is Funny After 40.”

Since 1991, TGIF has been an annual health and wellness program for women, who come together for an evening of learning and socializing. This year’s event expands on a theme begun last year when TGIF explored the estrogen controversy, drawing more than 350 participants. “Women told us they liked the single-topic discussion, and there were many requests for a program that focused on sexuality and the aging process,” said Sheila Hogan, director of community relations at Waterbury Hospital.

 “We’re pleased to present our area experts on this important topic in a comfortable, safe environment where women can truly enjoy themselves while gaining a better understanding of how to optimize their best years,” Ms Hogan added.

For further information, call 203-573-7587 or visit waterburyhospital.org.