Seventh annual Women's Health Day set for September 27

The Auxiliary of Veterans Memorial Hospital together with Elliott Jewelers of Waukon will be hosting the seventh annual Women’s Health Day wellness event and luncheon Tuesday, September 27 at the Waukon Banquet Center. All ages are invited to attend this educational event, beginning at 11 a.m. with a wellness fair offering a variety of free health tests and information. A salad luncheon and program will then be held from 12 Noon to 1 p.m.
Tickets are available at Veterans Memorial Hospital and Elliott Jewelers in Waukon, and will also be available at the door. The proceeds from this event will be used to purchase a new birthing bed for the Maternity Services department at Veterans Memorial Hospital.
The theme for this year’s event is “Treat your health like a gem.” The event is being held during “healthy aging month.”  Featured speakers for the Women’s Health Day program will include Dr. Philip Yee, Gundersen Lutheran General Surgeon, who will speak on the importance of colonoscopies in cancer prevention and how regular exams can preserve health. Debbie Rixen, Certified Personal Trainer and 25-year Fitness Instructor, will speak on the lifelong benefits of exercise, especially weight-bearing exercises. And Dr. Benjamin Nesseim of the Mayo Clinic Health System Franciscan Clinic-Waukon will give an update on the top steps to follow to stay young and healthy.
Those able to take a longer lunch break may enjoy the free health testing and vendors available from 11 a.m. to Noon and again following the luncheon program. To honor one-hour lunch breaks, participants are also invited to attend just the program and luncheon, which will be held to just one hour.
Free wellness testing will include blood pressure testing, blood sugar testing, mini-stress tests, body mass index testing, oxygen saturation testing and carbon monoxide testing. New this year, fitness assessments will also be offered. Cholesterol testing will be available for a $5 charge. Free chair massages and reflexology (foot massages) will be offered, plus information on breast cancer awareness, nutrition, smoking cessation, and many other health issues will be available.   Flu shots will also be offered by VMH Community and Home Care for $25, based on availability.
The cost of the event is $15 per person. For that fee, all those attending will receive a goodie bag filled with coupons, samples, and general health information, in addition to the luncheon, health testing and program. Every person attending the event will be entered into a drawing for a ladies 14kt yellow gold fashion bracelet containing oval-shaped genuine Amethyst, Garnet, Peridot and Citrine gemstones (retail value $1,395), compliments of Elliott Jewelers of Waukon.  In addition, many more door prizes will be given away at the event.
For more information, call Veterans Memorial Hospital at 563-568-3411 or Nona Sawyer, Auxiliary President and Event Coordinator, at 563-568-3105.