Women’s Health Awareness Week brings focus on self-care to campus

Mississippi University for Women’s Department of Health and Kinesiology will host a series of events on mental and physical health for Women’s Health Awareness Week Oct. 11-13.

“Sometimes we approach our striving for fitness and health in a frantic manner. This Women’s Health Awareness Week let us consider ‘the pause,’” said Dr. Irene Pintado, chair of the Department of Health and Kinesiology at The W.

Richard Morgan, public health instructor, will begin the series with “Walking your way to better physical and mental health” Tuesday, Oct. 11 at noon. There will be a brief presentation in the Pohl building lobby followed by a walk around campus.

Baptist Memorial Hospital – Golden Triangle Rheumatologist Dr. Ocheowelle Okeke will be the guest speaker for the Women’s Health Awareness Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 12 in the Pope Banquet Hall on the campus of The W. Originally from Jackson, Okeke is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Board of Pediatrics. The luncheon is held in conjunction with the Department of Health & Kinesiology and with the support of Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle.

On Thursday, Oct. 13 at 10:30 a.m., Dr. Kim Shaw, associate professor of Kinesiology, will present “When exercise hurts: Prevention and care of common leg and foot injuries.”  This presentation will take place in the Pohl building in Room 206.  

Pintado added, “Go for outdoor walks, not just for the aerobic benefits but because it can boost mood and increase blood flow and circulation to the brain. Pause and take the time to attend a luncheon, enjoy the company of others, and learn about our bodies. Listen to a talk about prevention and care of injuries and learn about the importance of pausing and caring for ourselves. We are fortunate to have Baptist hospital in our community, providing healthcare and education and this wonderful opportunity to pause.”

For more information and to reserve tickets for the luncheon, please contact the Department of Health and Kinesiology at (662) 329-7225.