2008 Women’s Health Series

The Women’s Health Series at St. Joseph Hospital is a collection of monthly programs focusing on the care of women and their families. The series offers a helpful combination of mind, body, medical and integrative educational programs unique to women.

Delightful refreshments like tea and scones or chocolate and strawberries will be served at each program. We invite you to attend as many sessions as you like - even all of them!

All sessions are held from 7 to 8 p.m. at St. Joseph Hospital in Nashua.

Classes are FREE; however, seating is limited, so pre-registration is required. Click on the topics to the right to read more about each session.

Available Sessions:
Click to read more about each session.
Previous sessions are available below as audio recordings.
Nutrition and Beauty - Nourish Your Looks Listen Now
Click play to listen to an audio recording of this session:

Andrea Hebert, MS, RD, LD, CDE

Rescheduled: Wednesday, February 20, 2008 - 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.

This session looks at what foods and eating style help to cultivate beautiful skin, hair and nails.  

  • See how certain foods affect health
  • Tips and techniques for practical ways to improve skin health

Mrs. Hebert, a Registered Dietician and Certified Diabetes Educator received her master of science from Tufts University and her bachelor of science in Dietetics from Rivier College. She assesses, counsels and monitors the treatment of clients with Type 1, Type 2 and Gestational Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease, Hypertension and Obesity. In addition, she has been at the forefront of developing and implementing nutritional programs for various community events.

Ageless Radiance: Surgical and Non-Surgical Options for Aging Gracefully Listen Now
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Jeremy Waldman, MD

Tuesday, February 26, 2008 - 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Consumer-driven demand for aesthetic medicine has skyrocketed over the last several years. At the same time, the list of available remedies seems to have expanded exponentially. The most common and effective modalities for surgical and non-surgical rejuvenation of the face, breasts and body will be reviewed.

  • With so many choices, where should a patient start?
  • General skin care
  • Botox®, fillers, lasers, etc.
  • Surgical rejuvenation of the face, breasts and body

Dr. Waldman completed his undergraduate studies at Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA. He received his medical degree from SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY. Dr. Waldman completed his surgical internship and residencies in General Surgery and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the University of Rochester, Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester, NY. He completed his fellowship in Breast and Aesthetic Surgery with G. Patrick Maxwell, MD, in Nashville, TN.

Functional Bowel Disorders - Chronic Constipation and IBS: The Latest in Treatment Options Listen Now
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Wendy L. Wright, MS, RN, ARNP, FNP, FAANP

Tuesday, March 25, 2008 - 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Millions of men and women suffer from chronic constipation and irritable bowel syndrome, yet only 25% of individuals who are affected by this condition actually consult a healthcare provider. This session will cover the latest information on causes as well as the various treatments available.

  • The causes of chronic constipation and irritable bowel syndrome
  • Nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic treatments for these conditions
  • Worrisome signs and symptoms that may be indicative of more serious pathology

Ms. Wright is a 1992 graduate of the Adult Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program at Simmons College in Boston, MA, and completed a family nurse practitioner post-master’s program in 1995. She is an adult and family nurse practitioner and the owner of Wright & Associates Family Healthcare. In addition, she is a partner with Partners in Healthcare Education, a medical education company. Ms. Wright is the recipient of numerous awards and was recently inducted as a Fellow into the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, a position held by only 200 other nurse practitioners throughout the country. She is the editor-in-chief for APCToday.com, a website designed to provide comprehensive clinical and practice information for the advanced practice clinician. As a family nurse practitioner, she has also served as an expert witness in medical malpractice cases and is frequently consulted by malpractice attorneys regarding clinical practice.

Injury Prevention for the Active Female Listen Now
Click play to listen to an audio recording of this session:

Jamie Morse, Senior PT, DPT

Tuesday, April 22, 2008 - 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Mrs. Morse will identify the key components for preventing common injuries among active women. She will discuss a comprehensive exercise program including aerobic training, strength training, and core and flexibility activities. She will also address the burnout phenomenon and describe the role of physical therapy in the prevention of athletic injuries.

  • Common injuries among active women
  • The major components of physical wellness
  • Specific exercises to prevent common injuries
  • The symptoms of burnout and how to prevent it
  • The role of physical therapy as a primary and secondary form of prevention

Mrs. Morse is a senior physical therapist at St. Joseph Hospital. Her clinical focus is in neurological rehabilitation, although she treats patients with a variety of orthopedic diagnoses among the pediatric, adult and geriatric populations. She earned her bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from the University of Colorado–Boulder and her doctorate in physical therapy from Simmons College. Mrs. Morse directed a pre-season skiing and conditioning program at St. Joseph Hospital and is a member of the interdisciplinary neurological rehabilitation team in the outpatient department. She is a member of the Neurology Section of The American Physical Therapy Association.

From the Belly Button to the Thighs: Physical Therapy for Chronic Pelvic Pain May 27

Aline J. Wyatt, PT

Tuesday, May 27, 2008 - 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Chronic pelvic pain affects approximately 20% of women and often interferes with routine activities, such as sitting, standing or lifting. Up to 90% of women with chronic pelvic pain have increased pain with intercourse. These symptoms can lead to frustration, depression and limited participation in daily activities. Mrs. Wyatt offers a comprehensive review of this condition.

  • The multiple causes of chronic pelvic pain in women
  • Treatment options
  • The mind/body connection
  • Self-treatment techniques to help manage chronic pelvic pain

Mrs. Wyatt is a physical therapist at St Joseph Hospital, specializing in women’s health and pelvic rehabilitation. She has a B.S. in physical therapy from Florida International University and a certificate in massage therapy from New Hampshire Community Technical College. Ms. Wyatt has taken numerous courses in manual therapy, women’s health and pelvic dysfunctions. She is a member of the women’s health section of the American Physical Therapy Association and the International Pelvic Pain Society.

Sticks and Stones and Broken Bones Jun 24

Paula Drake, ARNP, AOCNP

Tuesday, June 24, 2008 - 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.

This session will provide invaluable information to help you develop a personal strategy for managing bone health by exploring medical and media messages about osteoporosis.

  • Risk factors for bone disease
  • Strategies to improve bone health
  • Recommendations for screening

Ms. Drake completed her training as a registered nurse at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Boston, MA and received her master’s of science in nursing from Rivier College in Nashua. She has been an Oncology Certified Nurse for 11 years. As a nurse practitioner, Ms. Drake diagnoses and treats the side effects of chemotherapy and other cancer-related treatments, helping assess pain control and adjust medications for maximum pain relief. She collaborates with physicians and oncologists as necessary.

When Real Women Get HPV Sep 23

Cindi Croft, DO

Tuesday, September 23, 2008 - 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Every day, many women learn they have the human papilloma virus (HPV) infection. It could happen to you or anyone you know. It’s silent, but it doesn’t have to be deadly. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted disease worldwide. Education, information and early intervention can stop abnormal cells from turning cancerous. Learn all the facts on protecting yourself and the ones you love.

  • History of HPV
  • The various strains
  • Disease processes that can result from HPV
  • Pathophysiology of how the virus causes disease
  • Importance of screening for sexually active women
  • Prevention of this virus with the new vaccine

Dr. Croft received her medical degree from Midwestern University in Downers Grove, IL, and completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, UT. She completed her residency in family practice at Barberton Citizens Hospital in Barberton, OH. Dr. Croft enjoys working with underserved population and, before joining St. Joseph Hospital, she served as a family physician for Maliheh Free Clinic in Salt Lake City. She is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians and the American Academy of Osteopathy.

A Cough, A Sneeze, Pass the Pads Please: The Truth about Urinary Incontinence Oct 28

Alison Cody, PT

Tuesday, October 28, 2008 - 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Do you wake up in the middle of the night? Are you restricted to your home? Do you know where every bathroom is or are you always running to one? Urinary incontinence is loss of bladder control. Symptoms can range from mild leaking to uncontrollable wetting. It can happen to anyone, but it becomes more common with age. Women experience it twice as often as men. But for all, incontinence is frustrating, embarrassing and debilitating. Despite its prevalence and its effect on quality of life, many people are reluctant to talk about incontinence or to seek treatment. Join Ms. Cody and a team of physical therapists as they discuss diagnosis of the disease and treatment options available.

  • Understand the disease and the diagnosis
  • Contributing factors for urinary incontinence
  • The conservative treatment options
  • Benefits of physical therapy

Ms. Cody is a physical therapist at St. Joseph Hospital. She earned her bachelor of science from Springfield College and her certification in physical therapy from Simmons College. Ms. Cody aids in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, incontinence and pelvic pain. In addition, she is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association and speaks at several events regarding women’s health.

Managing Menopause: How to Navigate the Change Nov 18

Kelly MacMillan, MD, FACOG

Tuesday, November 18, 2008 - 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.

You’ve seen a lot of changes in your life, and one of the biggest is just beginning. Night sweats, mood swings, depression, anxiety, weight gain…join us as we highlight some of the key things that are happening to your body during menopause, how to manage those symptoms and how to select a health program that is right for you.

  • The basics of menopause: what it is, what it does and why women must face it
  • The short-term and long-term goals for treatment
  • Hormone Replacement Therapy and other alternative treatments

Dr. MacMillan is board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology and has a special interest in high-risk pregnancies and adolescent health concerns. She is a graduate of Dartmouth Medical School in Hanover, NH, and completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Virginia Hospital in Charlottesville, VA. Dr. MacMillan has conducted research and presented her findings about Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in the Treatment of Ovarian Cancer.

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