Published: November 01, 2009 07:58 am      

Healthy Woman program to mark first anniversary

Health is a vital concern to women who know they have to care for themselves and loved ones.

With that in mind, Healthy Woman -- a program sponsored by Woodward Regional Hospital -- was created.

On Nov. 12, the hospital will celebrate Healthy Woman’s first anniversary, honoring supporters and speakers who helped make the program a success.

“It’s been very successful,” hospital spokeswoman Lori Messenger said. “The hospital has almost 400 Healthy Woman members.”

The membership has grown as more women have attended the Healthy Woman events held once a month.

Throughout the past year, the program has addressed topics related to osteoporosis, breast cancer, herbal gardening, healthy cooking and more.

“The idea for Healthy Woman came from other hospitals,” Messenger said. “A year ago September was the kickoff. Dr. (Helen) Chiou used to have a women’s event called Reflections sponsored through the hospital, so we were ... continuing the tradition that she started.”

The purpose of the program has been to reach women in a fun setting to remind them to take care of themselves.

“Women are usually the health care decision makers in the family,” Messenger said. “They usually make the doctor’s appointments, do the research and find out which doctors to go to.”

Healthy Woman “is a forum to let women know what services the hospital has available,” she said. “We’ve highlighted our medical staff and our doctors in the monthly programs we offer.”

During the anniversary celebration, Susanne Blake, an orator and writer, will speak on bringing a new consciousness to the world, one that can heal differences and help with all relationships.

She has written two books, “When Spirit Speaks,” and “Ten Commitments for Women.”

In addition to Blake’s talk, local musicians Sarah Davis and Bobbi Castor will perform. Davis will play the piano and Castor will sing.

Sponsors of Healthy Woman include Dr. Chiou, Dr. Fong Chen and Associates, the Oklahoma Beef Council and Peak Fitness.

The event, which includes a beef dinner, will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 12 at the First Christian Church, Oklahoma Avenue and Ninth streets.

Tickets for the event are available at the hospital's gift shop or by contacting Lori Messenger at (580) 254-8665.