Spirit Of Women Wellness Weekend Coming To Danbury

DANBURY — Danbury Hospital is planning an energizing Spirit of Women Wellness Weekend at the Danbury Fair Center Court (lower level) on Saturday, October 17, from noon to 5 pm.

The Spirit Wellness Weekend is a fun-filled event where health education, health screenings, and other fun activities will be woven throughout the five hours to emphasize the importance of awareness of common health issues affecting women today.  Along with these important educational segments, the afternoon will also include some empowering and essential health tips and screenings for women:

*Fashion shows featuring breast cancer survivors modeling women’s active clothing and lounge wear at 2 and 4 pm

*Private bra fittings courtesy of Macy’s

* Flower arranging demonstrations by Confetti

*Plus several high-“zenergy” fun, free activities

*Seasonal flu shots

*An opportunity to talk face-to-face with leading women physicians regarding health questions

Spirit Wellness Weekend is organized and hosted by Danbury Hospital, a member of the Spirit of Women Hospital Network, with support provided by some Danbury Mall stores, Star 99.9 FM, and other local business sponsors. Spirit of Women is a national network of leading hospitals dedicated to improving women’s lives with innovative health and community programs.

Spirit of Women hospitals touch the lives of millions of women each year through the presentation of educational events, consumer membership programs, annual conferences, marketing communications, and grassroots efforts to improve the health and well-being of women everywhere. Spirit of Women enables participating hospitals to focus on community needs while providing the strength of national support.

“Our health is our best investment,” said Patricia Tietjen, MD, FCCP, FACP, chair, Danbury Hospital Department of Medicine. “As women, we are always looking for the latest health information to ensure our family’s health and wellness, but we often end up neglecting our own health.” Visitors can sign up right then and there for their screening mammogram and for those who cannot afford a mammogram, there will be information on breast and cervical cancer screening grants.

Statistics show that breast and gynecological cancers are among the leading malignancies that occur in women — together affecting more than 280,000 Americans in 2008, according to the American Cancer Society.  Most women will have no risk factors other than being a woman and increasing age.

“For women at high risk because of family history or other factors, it’s essential to have a conversation with your doctor to discuss this risk,” said Pat Hough RN, MSN, manager, Praxair Cancer Center at Danbury Hospital. “Detected early, survival rates for women who are diagnosed with breast cancer in a localized stage is over 98 percent. That’s a very important reason why annual mammography screening continues to be so vital.”

Ms Hough and other health professionals will be at the Danbury Fair to give information on the latest advancements in mammography that will benefit individuals and their loved ones.

And since flu season has started and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports influenza is ranked seven on the list of leading causes of death in the United States; seasonal flu shots will be made available by the Danbury Visiting Nurse Association.

To learn more about Danbury Hospital’s Spirit of Women programs go to DanburyHospital.org/spiritofwomen.