Seminar for women focuses on vitality, bone health

PLEASANTON, Kan. -- A new event hosted by Mercy Health Center will give Linn County women the opportunity to learn how to protect their mobility and live with vitality.

"Life is Not a Spectator Sport," an educational seminar that will focus on identifying personal risks and learning how to prevent the deterioration of bones and joints, is scheduled for 6:45 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 10, at the Pleasanton School Annex Building, 309 W. 13th St.

The program is a creative, educational and entertaining event that is part of Mercy Health Center's Spirit of Women campaign, a Mercy statement said.

The seminar will be presented by Mercy Orthopaedic Nurse Practitioner Greg King, who will help attendees understand that it is not normal to experience pain in their joints or wince as they move. With modern medicine, provider's knowledge, and increasing options for bone and joint health, women never need to become a spectator in the game of active living, the statement said.

"We all want to live a long and healthy life full of activity, good health and happiness," King said. "But many of us do not know how to protect that life. This program gets women to think about their personal risk factors as well as things that they can do every day to protect their mobility and current active lifestyle."

Attendees will be exposed to information and educated on bone and joint health, and will also learn about lifestyle choices that can make a difference in their lives. All of this is wrapped up in what organizers call a "health-u-tainment" program, where serious information is balanced with a seriously good time, the Mercy statement said.

"The name of the program says it all; Life is not a spectator sport," Mercy Director of Wellness and Development Tina Rockhold said. "We will engage women in new and innovative ways to being physically active."

Rockhold added, "Today, even exercise is possible through the use of technology. The Spirit team will help women become more comfortable using some of the non-conventional methods of exercise available. By utilizing video games, we will share how women of all ages can get a good workout, have a lot of fun and track personal progress."

Attendees are invited to participate in the event in which they will learn how to recognize signs and symptoms as well as learn tips for preventing bone and joint disorders -- such as arthritis, osteoporosis, and repetitive stress injuries and fractures -- that can lead to impaired mobility in their everyday lives.

"Mercy Health Center wants every woman to know that it is never too late to improve her bone and joint health," the Mercy statement said.

Free, on-site bone density screenings, as well as blood pressure checks and an osteoporosis assessment will be available to all women who attend the seminar. Light refreshments including snacks that are rich in calcium will be provided.

The seminar is free of charge, but tickets are required. A limited number of tickets are available for this premiere event in Linn County. A maximum of two tickets per person is allowed. Tickets are available at the Pleasanton Family Practice, located at 9th and Main streets, and the Mercy Health Center registration desk, 401 Woodland Hills Blvd., Fort Scott.

The Spirit of Women Health Network is a national coalition of hospitals and health care facilities in more than 80 U.S. cities, including Mercy Health Center, joined together to improve women's health by inspiring access and action on local, regional and national levels.

For more information, contact Rockhold at (877) 336-3729.