Next week's Women's Health Seminar will focus on issues such as heart disease, menopause, gynaecological matters, and breastfeeding.

The event, which was inspired by members of the Women's Advisory Council, has been promoted by the Ministry of Legislative and Women's Issues as they felt this was a necessary seminar that would bring women together to be educated in health-related issues.

The seminar is for women both young and old and due to the fact that some women might find only certain issues of interest some of the discussions will run simultaneously.

A spokesperson for the Ministry said it was basically to provide a forum for discussion and information exchange related to topics that concern women.

"We don't get such a variety of topics being discussed at one time so that is the main reason for this,'' the spokesperson said.

She added that the seminar will start at 9 a.m. and end at 4.30 p.m. It will be held at the Number One Shed on Front Street with an opening by Sen. Yvette Swan.

"We will have coffee and pastries in the morning and a light lunch will be provided.

"We have a number of local speakers such as Dr. Terry-Lyn Emory who will be speaking on gynaecological matters, then we have Dr. Marian Watlington speaking on menopause, PMS, osteoporosis.

"Community health nurse Gaylia Landry will be speaking on AIDS and sexually transmitted disease (STD's). Mrs. Lena Ostroff from La Leche League will discuss breastfeeding, Dr. Fiona Ross on heart disease, and Andrea Bassett from the diabetes unit of King Edward VII Memorial Hospital will talk about diabetes,'' the spokesperson said.

She added that Anita Acker of the Athletic Club will talk to the women about on fitness and sports and there will be other people discussing a variety of other issues.

"It should be a dynamic day and there will be a question and answer period.

We do encourage them to register before the day but if circumstances don't allow it we will accept registration on the day.

"We also hope companies will encourage their staff to attend, maybe if it's just one member.'' Administrative assistant of the Women's Advisory Council Diana Madeiros said the council likes to have an educational seminar at least once or twice a year but "our primary focus is to improve the quality of life for women in Bermuda so we do this through lobbying on important issues and providing educational seminars.

"We didn't think anyone had done a general health seminar before because this will cover all the ages of women. Younger women may not be interested in all the issues but older women will be so we have got some of the sessions running together so you can sign up for one or the other,'' Mrs. Madeiros said.

She added: "The speakers are all local practitioners and that gives people a chance to hear the views of other people that they may not have met.

"The more information you get and the more discussion that takes place the more updated you are. That makes you better off.

"This is also an opportunity for women to meet each other. We often circulate in our own ponds and this gives us the opportunity to meet people we would not necessarily meet and exchange views.

"It is good to have exposure to people you would not otherwise meet.'' Registration for the seminar -- to be held on October 30 from 9 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. at the Number One Shed on Front Street -- will be $10. This fee will be donated to one of the following charities: Women's Resource Centre, Fair Havens Christian Care Association, the Physical Abuse Centre, and breast cancer group Just Between US.

Due to time constraints people can pick up their registration package from the Ministry of Legislative Affairs and Women's Issues office Suite 303 in the Mechanics Building, Church Street, Hamilton or you may 296-3372.

FOR WOMEN'S HEALTH -- Organisers of the Women's Health Seminar which will be held on Thursday, October 30 at the Number One Shed discuss the finishing touches. Issues being discussed are: heart disease, diabetes, mental health, reproductive health, cancer, and nutrition and wellness. Pictured are from left administrative assistant of the Woman's Advisory Diana Madeiros, Minister of Community and Cultural Affairs with responsibility for Women's Issues Sen.

Yvette Swan, chairperson for the Women's Advisory Council Angela Berry, and secretary for Ministry of Legislative Affairs and Women's Issues Lilette Herbert.

HEALTH HTH