Positively Pink, a women’s health series hosted by Phelps Memorial Health Center, took place at the Sun Theater and Events Venue where nearly 100 women gathered to learn about cancer prevention, heart disease, and other women’s health topics.
The event featured a reception and interactive health stations covering a wide range of women’s health issues, such as nutrition, diabetes education, breast cancer prevention and awareness, pelvic floor therapy, lymphedema, cardiovascular health, cardiac rehab, sleep apnea, and aesthetics.
Rachel Dallmann, Sr. VP of Clinical Operations, highlighted the event's importance, stating, “Tonight is a special opportunity for us to come together as women, learn more about important women’s health topics, and celebrate the courageous cancer survivors among us.”
Featured speakers included Stacey VanBoening, APRN, from oncology services, Sadie Johnson, PA-C and Cheryl Klausen, APRN from cardiovascular services, and Dr. Katie Thelen, medical provider at Family Medical Specialties. Their presentations helped inform attendees about key health issues specific to women, encouraging proactive health management.
Stacey VanBoening, APRN at Phelps Memorial Health Center, spoke about the importance of regular mammograms and cancer prevention. She emphasized that annual mammograms should begin at age 40, stressing the critical role of early detection in improving outcomes for breast cancer.
Despite advances in awareness, VanBoening shared a sobering statistic and said in the past year “Breast cancer risk has increased by 0.6% overall and by 1% for women under 50.”
“One day I hope I can stand in front of you and tell you that statistics are lowering, but unfortunately they are not. Breast cancer is the most common invasive cancer in women,” she said. “One in 8 women will have breast cancer.”
VanBoening explained that while breast cancer can be found after symptoms develop, many women with breast cancer experience no symptoms, making regular screenings essential. She urged women to familiarize themselves with their breasts and armpits, as self-awareness plays a vital role in early detection.
She also pointed out that the two biggest risk factors for breast cancer are age and being female, both unchangeable, but screening can help catch cancer early. VanBoening told attendees that early detection can sometimes mean the difference between finding a curable breast cancer and fighting it for the rest of your life.
Additionally, she encouraged attendees to increase their physical activity, challenging them to walk at least 7,000 steps a day to reduce the risk of various diseases and improve overall health. She recommended a gradual approach for those not already meeting this goal, suggesting a six-month plan to work up to it.
Sadie Johnson, PA-C, and Cheryl Klausen, APRN, discussed women’s heart health, highlighting the distinct signs and symptoms women often experience.
Johnson said, “1 in 3 women will develop heart disease and 1 in 2 will experience a stroke in their lifetime.”
Unlike men, women may have atypical heart attack symptoms such as jaw pain, nausea, and shortness of breath.
Klausen noted that women often attribute these symptoms to less severe issues like heartburn, the flu, or aging, which can delay seeking care. She also described what women can expect during an appointment for heart-related concerns, mentioning that overwhelming fatigue often brings women in for evaluation.
Both Johnson and Klausen emphasized that risk factors for heart disease include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, history of smoking, family history, health status, medical conditions, and lifestyle choices.
She added, “A woman with no risk factors has a low risk of developing coronary heart disease, about 8%. With one risk factor, her risk jumps to 40%, and with two or more risk factors her risk increases to greater than 50%.”
Klausen stressed the importance of quitting smoking. She said, “Stopping smoking is key. It’s one of the major things you can do to improve your health.”
Dr. Katie Thelen, D.O., Family Medical Specialties, emphasized the significance of Well Woman Exams, highlighting the importance of mammograms and being familiar with one’s body. She stressed that annual checkups are vital for early detection or prevention of health issues. Pelvic exams, she noted, should begin at age 21 and continue through 65, but abnormalities should be reported to a healthcare provider at any age.
Dr. Thelen also discussed the DXA scan for measuring bone density, recommending it at age 65, or earlier if risk factors are present.
“Regular weight-bearing and resistance exercise, along with a calcium and vitamin D-rich diet, can help maintain bone health.“
To live well and reduce the risk of serious illness, women need to have an annual physical or checkup. Regular checkups can help find problems early or prevent health problems before they occur.
Dr. Thelen said, “Women are complicated. Be an advocate for yourself. If you feel something is off, tell your doctor.”
