Women on Wellness retreat Oct. 22 in Lewisburg

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Ali Vincent, the first female winner of NBC’s “The Biggest Loser,” will address the Women on Wellness (WOW) retreat on Friday, Oct. 22 at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine in Lewisburg. Women from Greenbrier County and the surrounding area are invited to attend.

The WOW retreat is a partnership between the West Virginia University National Center of Excellence in Women’s Health, Greenbrier Valley Medical Center and the community. A day for and about women, WOW retreats provide a holistic, pro-health message of personal empowerment.

“We are delighted to be offering this day for women in the Lewisburg area,” Betty Critch, executive director of the National Center of Excellence in Women’s Health, said. “Not only will women have the refreshing experience of balancing mind, body and soul, but also the information they receive will help them to lead their families to a healthy lifestyle.”

During the day, women will try different movement activities, learn about issues regarding their health and well-being and receive healthcare screenings and holistic services, such as massage. Several sessions are being led by Greenbrier Valley Medical Center providers, including sessions on breast health and mammography and long-term care considerations for families and patients. The retreats also link women to local resources.

WOW retreats don’t promote specific brands of diet or exercise but promote principles that help guide women to make healthful choices, Critch said. The retreats feature opportunities to try different ways to become more active; healthy and energizing lunch and snacks; informational and educational health sessions addressing holistic, preventive, and chronic care issues; and health screenings.

The $50 cost to attend the retreat includes program materials, lunch and snack breaks. Scholarships are available. No woman will be turned away due to lack of funds, but spaces are limited. For more information and to register, go online to www.wowicandoit.com, e-mail krobinson@hsc.wvu.edu or call 304-293-0946.

The WVU National Center of Excellence in Women’s Health is one of 20 nationally designated academic institutions in the country. This designation is awarded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service’s Office of Women’s Health.

For information on the Centers of Excellence in Women’s Health see www.wvhealthywomen.org.