As women enter midlife, everything changes. Beyond kids and careers, women often shift into caregiver roles for aging loved ones. Perimenopause brings its own symptoms, including brain fog, hot flashes, and mood changes. Coffey Health System’s 30th Women’s Health Conference on Wednesday, October 14, will cover all this and more. The event begins with a 5:30 p.m. social hour in the Burlington High School commons area. Appetizers will be served. Presentations begin in the theater at 6:30 p.m.
The Women’s Health Conference combines lifesaving information with a fun atmosphere. Admission is free, but advance registration is strongly encouraged. Register by calling (620) 364-4507 or click here to register online.
“We’re bringing together a strong panel of speakers to address topics ranging from perimenopause to brain health to the facts we all need to understand about the Medicare Advantage plans that affect aging parents,” said CHS Marketing Director Tracy Jones. “As always, women of all ages are encouraged to attend.
CHS Chief Executive Officer Stacy Augustyn will emcee the evening. Speakers include Michelle Niedens, L.S.C.S.W. and Director of the Cognitive Care Network at the University of Kansas Hospital. Michelle will discuss new perspectives for diagnosing and treating cognitive concerns in the earliest stages. CHS Nurse Practitioner Ashley Beying will discuss common symptoms and treatment options for women in the early stages of menopause.
“In the past decade, there have been tremendous advancements in menopause treatments and the accurate diagnosis of cognitive impairments. This stage of life is not the same as our mothers and grandmothers experienced,” Jones said.
Additionally, Kansas Hospital Association executives Cindy Samuelson and Shannon Flach will review the differences between traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans.
“This topic was so well received at our last conference that we are bringing it back for an update. Even if we aren’t nearing age 65 yet, many of our parents, friends, and neighbors are facing decisions about Medicare plans, so we all must understand the risks and benefits. This is especially important in rural areas like ours,” said Jones. “Cindy and Shannon will sort the facts and fiction between traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage options.”
Along with appetizers, informational booths will also be featured during the social hour. Participants can get their annual flu shot, schedule a Brain Health Day appointment, learn tips about sleep hygiene, schedule their mammogram, and learn about other programs and services in the region.
The event even has ripples around the globe. The hospital auxiliary, Friends of Coffey Health System, will have a special booth to receive monetary donations for their annual “Christmas for Canines” project. The auxiliary partners with U.S. War Dogs to purchase much-needed items for active-duty military canines and their handlers.