Friday, January 8, 2010

PRCC Women’s Health Symposium deadline approaches

     POPLARVILLE - The registration deadline for Pearl River Community College’s fourth annual Women’s Health Symposium is rapidly approaching.
     Participants must return their registration materials by 4 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 20.
     The symposium, featuring a variety of health screenings, informational sessions and an appearance by humorist Jenny Nolen, will be held on Saturday, Jan. 30, in Crosby and Seal halls on the Poplarville campus.
     Nolen, the symposium’s keynote speaker, is known as Alabama’s Funniest Lady.
     "Jenny Nolen was the keynote speaker at a conference I recently attended, and I found her to be a very enthusiastic and entertaining speaker," said Brenda Wells, chair of the speakers committee.
     Nolen, who lives in Cullman, Ala., has been in the national spotlight as an entertainer, speaker and trainer for more than a quarter of a century.
     PRCC started the symposium four years ago as a way to improve the health of women in South Mississippi.
     "Since Mississippi has some of the highest rates of death among females in the United States as a result of health issues which include heart disease, breast cancer, and stroke and since Mississippi women have high rates of health risk factors that include high blood pressure, obesity, and physical inactivity, the Women’s Health Symposium is one of the most important steps that the College can take in order to assist in improving the health of those who live in our local communities," said Dr. Becky Askew, chair of the symposium steering committee. "Outstanding speakers will provide those in attendance with valuable information about a variety of health concerns, and an art walk will make the event even more enjoyable for the participants."
     The symposium begins at 8 a.m. Jan. 30 in Crosby Hall with health screenings, including blood pressure, blood sugar, bone density, cholesterol, hearing, vision and spine. A continental breakfast will be provided.
     Breakout sessions will be held at 9:50 and 10:40 a.m. in Seal Hall. Participants can choose to attend two of the seven sessions:

• Heart and Vascular Disease in Women by Dr. Ben Rester of Hattiesburg Clinic.
  Yoga for Women/Radiant Health and Beauty for All Ages by Tammy Brahan of The Yoga Room in Hattiesburg.
• Protecting Your Financial Health by Hattiesburg Police Lt. Peggy Sealy.
• Dealing with Difficult People by Janie Walters of Champion Communications.
• Health Strategies for Women by Dr. Melissa Holland of Hattiesburg Clinic.
• First Aid for Your Automobile by PRCC auto mechanics instructor Richard Byrd.
• The Facts About Alzheimer’s Disease by Melora Jackson of South Mississippi Regional Center in Long Beach.

     The luncheon and Nolen’s presentation will be at 11:40 a.m. in Olivia Bender Cafeteria in Crosby Hall. Dr. Mark Malone, pianist, will provide entertainment. Malone, former choral director at PRCC, is dean of the Winters School of Music at William Carey University.
     The symposium also will include an art walk, featuring the works of area artists. The art walk will be held in the Great Hall area of Crosby Hall.
     The symposium will conclude by 1:30 p.m. with the presentation of door prizes and gifts.
     Cost of the symposium is $20. Registration deadline is 4 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 20.
     For registration materials, telephone 601 403-1317 or email womenshealthsymposium@prcc.edu.