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Women's Health Conference approaching

By Codell Rodriguez, The Southern

Saturday, September 6, 2008 12:30 AM CDT

CARTERVILLE - A keynote address on "The Well-Healed Woman" will be among the main events at the Southern Illinois Women's Health Conference on Sept. 20 at John A. Logan College.

The conference, which has taken place annually for 22 years, includes exhibits, breakout sessions and health screenings. Preregistration is required for attendance, as is payment of a $35 fee.

Jo Sanders, president of the board for Women's Health and Wellness Inc., said the fee is a bargain considering the amount of screenings available.

"If you went to a doctor and tried to do those kinds of things it could cost hundreds, even thousands of dollars," Sanders said.

Screenings include vision, blood pressure and fitness. In addition to the screenings, there will also be breakout sessions where women can learn about such topics as "Closing the Gender Gap in Healthcare" and "Oh My Aching Neck and Back!" The latter allows attendees to hear from a neurosurgeon and learn about the latest treatments for degenerative spine diseases. There will also be more than 75 area businesses and health organizations present.

The keynote speech will be given by newspaper columnist Lisa Smartt. Her columns appear in the Union City Daily Messenger in Union City, Tenn., and the Weakley County Press in Martin, Tenn.

Smartt's speech will concentrate on women helping and healing each other. Fran Becque, executive director for Women for Health and Wellness Inc., said Smartt should provide an entertaining experience.

"I've heard her speak," Becque said. "She's a very fun, interesting speaker with a purpose."

Sanders said with a 22-year resume, the conference has established itself as an essential event for women in the region.

"Over the years, the value of the opportunity has proven itself," Sanders said. "Women come from a wide area around us."

codell.rodriguez@thesouthern.com

351-5804