The second annual Women’s Health and Wellness Day organized by ITR Physical Therapy will feature experiential sessions as well as informative talks on a variety of topics relevant to women’s health, including pelvic health.
The full-day event takes place Saturday, October 20 at Rise Well-Being Center in Reston.
To learn more about the history of this event, see our recap from the 2018 WHWD and our interview with founder and ITR Physical Therapy owner Jen Chu.
Here’s what you can expect from the day, which begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 4:30 p.m.
Morning Program
The morning sessions will take place in one room, one after the other.
8:45-9:30
“Our Power As Women” – Suzanne Scurlock-Durana, CMT, CST-D of Healing from the Core
Come open the day of women’s health by understanding your role in today’s world as well as how you can go about reclaiming your power and yourself – so you can make a positive difference in the world, walking the soul path you came here to walk. You were born at this time in history for a reason – perhaps because of the role we are meant to play in the healing of the planet and that starts with each one of us. Suzanne will share her “how to” skills for being fully present so you can enjoy this day to the fullest and leave it with a full inner energy reservoir as well as a lot more information about living in a healthy, thriving life.
9:40-10:20
“Naturopathic Medicine: A Personalized Approach to Understanding the Root Cause of Your Illness” – Rhodo Nguyen, ND of Aloe Wellness
Don’t guess! Test! With so much health information available on the Internet, it can feel overwhelming to discern which advice to follow and which to ignore. Rather than guess what is best for you, using an evidence-based personalized approach to repair and restore health will provide a more long-lasting outcome. Dr. Nguyen will guide you through the importance of comprehensive diagnostic assessment as a framework into developing a strong physical foundation and vessel that supports, holds, and ultimately enhances your energetic vibration.
10:30-11:10
“To Mesh or Not to Mesh– Surgery for Pelvic Floor Disorders, the FDA and All Those Commercials” – Nicolette Horbach, MD of Mid-Atlantic Urogynecology & Pelvic Surgery
Pelvic reconstructive surgical techniques for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse have undergone significant changes over the past decade with the advent of mesh materials for repairs. However, as illustrated by the 2011 FDA statement about mesh repairs, there is controversy regarding whether mesh is safe to use in surgery and/or whether outcomes are better with or without mesh. This presentation will discuss: 1) the indications, and the risks and benefits associated with mesh surgeries; 2) the latest FDA statements about mesh; and 3) what questions to ask your doctor if you are considering a reconstructive surgery with or without mesh.
11:20-11:50
“Healthy Breasts, Healthy Life: Techniques and Movements to Keep the Lymphatic System Flowing” – Rita Naomi Moran, PT
Learn and move! Learn about the importance of the lymphatic system, especially the lymphatics of the breast, on your overall health and well being…no matter your age and diagnosis. This is a highly experiential class that can be done in a wheel chair, chair, standing or on a yoga mat. Gentle movements and breathing will be explored.
12:00-12:50 p.m.
“Escaping the “should-have” monster: Self-care for women as caregivers” – Olya Walker, LFMT
Recent research continues to demonstrate that women are constantly overwhelmed by the demands of modern life. Work, relationships, parenting, maintaining households and taking care of our parents – we are expected to do it all, look good and not complain. As a friend of mine put it while we were at a petting zoo watching a hog nursing her multiple piglets: “I know exactly how she feels”. To make matters worse, we, as women, are our own worst critics and even have a hard time complimenting ourselves. I will be sharing some insights and specific strategies about how to feel good about ourselves and how much we give to others, while maintaining healthy boundaries.
Lunch
Some vegan lunch items will be available for purchase on-site and there are several nearby restaurants. Participants are also welcome to bring their own lunch to enjoy in the beautiful Rise Well-Being Center indoor garden!
Afternoon Program
There will be two sessions to choose from during each block in the afternoon.
1:00-1:45
Balance is Bull@#$% – Jen Coken
I need balance in my life!” How many times have you said this or heard someone else say it? My question for you is — how is that quest for balance going? I say that balance is truly unique to each of us. One person may want more time to be with their kids or grandchildren. Someone else may want to spend more time developing a new talent. Another person may want to block more time to be outside and exercise. Once you find your unique sense of balance, you will be happier, more peaceful and enjoy life more. During this 45-minute webinar, you will stop beating yourself up for not being “perfect,” identify your unique sense of balance, and leave with a practical tool to access that sense of inner peace and cam you desire. Let’s put this issue of balance to bed once and for all!
Below the Belt: When Sex Isn’t Working – Rachel Rubin, MD
Did you know that hormones, muscles, and nerves are all essential components of female pelvic anatomy? Understanding our own bodies and how they change is the first step in diagnosing and treating sexual dysfunction. Join Dr. Rubin for some advanced sex-ed and ask all the questions you couldn’t when you were younger!
1:55-2:35
“To Kegel or Not to Kegel” – Jennifer Chu, MS, PT, WCS of ITR Physical Therapy
You may have been told by your health care provider to do your Kegels, but did you know that not every person should be contracting their pelvic floor muscles every day? In this talk we will review different pelvic floor dysfunctions and diagnoses and whether or not you should be strengthening your pelvic floor muscles. We will also go over some helpful suggestions and recommendations to assist with such problems as urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse and pelvic pain.
“Introduction to Belly Dance” – Victoria Bloom of Born2Dance Studio
We will go over basic technique, learn several combinations and will put them together in a fun choreography!
2:45-2:25
“Building More Intimate, Resilient Relationships Through Meaning and Intention” – Amy Heard, PhD
We’ve all heard that relationships require work, but have you ever found yourself wondering just where to focus your energy and attention? Thankfully, research has shown that there are a set of essential skills that couples can use to strengthen their connection. In this talk we will review key communication strategies to help you really engage with your partner and develop more intimacy. We will also explore your core values to identify ways you can be more of the partner you truly want to be as you seek to create a more fulfilling relationship.
“Beginning Classical Pilates Mat Class” – Alia Staples of The Pilates Loft
Pilates is a system of movement geared towards improving strength, flexibility and muscular control. There are countless benefits to using the Pilates Method of Body Conditioning. Increasing strength in all muscle groups, improving flexibility and posture, rehabilitation for lower back and neck problems, improving stability and balance, reducing stress and the overall reshaping of your body are just a few. In this 45 minute class designed for beginners, we will learn the fundamental movements in the Classical mat sequence. They will allow you to connect to your deepest abdominal muscles, open your hips, and lengthen your entire body. Learn how all movement in your daily life really originates from your center, or your “powerhouse”, and leave the class feeling refreshed and taller!
3:35-4:15
“Empower Your Voice” – Laura Purcelll Verdon, MA, CCC/SLP of Voice Trainer
Powerful speaking skills are a valuable tool in a woman’s professional and personal life. Tips will be introduced to make you a more effective and powerful speaker. We will focus on features of speaking which tend to interfere, as well features which will insure you and your message are received as intended. You too can find your voice!
“Yoga For Pelvic Awareness” – Lauren Starace, PT, MSPT, PYT-C, RYT-200 of ITR Physical Therapy
Using breath and movement, become more aware of what your pelvic floor is doing and where it is positioned. Learn how much your breath and pelvic floor really are linked discover movement that can help you better connect to your pelvic floor. This will be a gentle, all levels class, where you can explore within your own body, breathing and moving freely, to mindfully improve your relationship with your pelvic floor.
4:15: Closing Remarks & Raffle
Raffle items include:
- Physical Therapy Session from ITR Physical Therapy
- doTERRA Essential Oil Products and Essential Oils book from ITR Physical Therapy
- 3 Infrared Sauna Sessions from Aloe Wellness
- Wild Succulent Woman (book) from Sark
- Hour Consultation with Olya Walker, LMFT
- 30-Minute Coaching Call with Jen Coken
- Reclaiming Your Body (book) signed by Suzanne Scurlock-Durana
- Full Body Presence Audio Explorations by Suzanne Scurlock-Durana
- Dexascan for woman over 50 years of age by IntimMedicine
- Love Warrior by Glennon Doyle, The Essential Basics, Food Rules and Color Art Books from Jessica Claire Haney of Mindful Healthy Life
- One-on-One Pilates Session with Alia Staples
Every participant will receive a goody bag. This year’s event will also include a limited number of free 10-15 minute Private Discovery Sessions with ITR Physical Therapy: mini consultations for Pelvic Physical Therapy and for Functional Nutrition. Once you register, you will be able to sign up for a time slot.
Enter below to win one of two FREE tickets. Entries must be received by 11:59 p.m. Monday, October 15 and winners must respond to our email withing 24 hours to claim their free tickets. Two winners will be randomly selected and will each receive one ticket.
Register online at bit.ly/WHWD2018. Online registration is $85. In-person registration is $95. Use code MHL20 for 20% off online registration through 11:59 p.m. October 19.
To stay connected with ITR, sign up for the ITR newsletter and follow ITRPT on Facebook & itr_physicaltherapy on Instagram.
Rise Well-Being Center photo copyright Jessica Claire Haney for Mindful Healthy Life.
ITR Physical Therapy is a partner with Mindful Healthy Life.
About the author:
Jessica Claire Haney is the founder, publisher and editor of Mindful Healthy Life and the author of its Guide to Holistic Family Living in Metro DC. Jessica founded the Arlington/Alexandria Chapter of Holistic Moms Network, volunteers on school wellness issues, and is a doTERRA Wellness Advocate. Follow on Facebook at MindfulHealthyLife, on @Twitte
I am so excited I found out about this last year. I reaped so much benefit, even from classes I thought wouldn’t apply to me. Very hopefully I can make it this year!