Women's Wellness Event: Breast Cancer

The Women’s Ministry Team held their second annual wellness event, Weaving Wellness into Your Life, this year focusing on breast health, Saturday, Jan. 30 at St. Matthew’s.

Designed for women of all ages and backgrounds, the day’s events prepared, taught, and encouraged participants as they learned about prevention, detection/screening, and treatment of breast cancer.

A panel of physicians including oncologists John Charlson and Christopher Chitambar, radiologist Richard Wagner, and surgeon Julie Kepple addressed medical concerns. Other health care experts were also available to teach and answer questions.

Workshops were geared toward empowering women to stand up to breast cancer.

• Although no one can control genetics or age, women can make healthy choices about nutrition and exercise, which may help to prevent breast cancer.
  
• Quality screening and early detection open the door for the most positive prognosis.
  
• Current treatment options allow for hope once the diagnosis is confirmed.
  
• Women can rely on professional patient advocates or learn to become their own advocates as they navigate the treatment and insurance systems.
  
• As a caring community, church members, family, friends, and patients themselves can offer and receive spiritual support, the basis of hope in a frightening time.

The morning began with a locally grown, healthy breakfast and time to connect with friends old and new.

Throughout the event several informational tables were staffed with resources for facing breast cancer. The program concludeed with the inspirational stories of women who have survived breast cancer and closing devotions.

Recipes from the Wellness Event are online [here]

Photos of the event are in the online Photo Album [here].