girls night out

Girls' Night Out 2016

Being fun and fancy can put you in better health – that is if you follow the advice at the “Fun and Fancy Girls’ Night Out” event being hosted by The Women’s Health Center of Penn Highlands Healthcare.

Girls’ Night Out is an annual event of The Women’s Health Center and Spirit of Women, a national organization that provides evidence-based information for education to hospitals across the country. All four Penn Highlands Healthcare hospitals are members of Spirit of Women.

This year, the event will be held starting at 6 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 18, at Luigi’s Villa, 800 W. Weber Ave., DuBois. Cost to attend is $10 and includes a light meal.

“This year, we are focusing on how friendships and visiting your health care provider for regular physicals can boost your health,” Lori Rancik, RN and case manager of The Women’s Health Center, said.

The evening will start with a simple Tai Chi demonstration and lesson. DuBois Dermatology and Cosmetics will offer a skin analysis and give product information. Other health-related information tables will be offered, too, along with a wine tasting with the Winery at Wilcox.

Diana Farley of Brookville, a local author, will be available to sign copies of her book, “The Road Back to Hell,” which will be available for purchase. She will also be the inspirational speaker at 6:30 p.m. to start the evening’s program.

A fun, mini-fashion show with local healthcare providers as the models will take place. Afterward, the providers will share advice and speak with attendees. Providers presenting are:
• Dr. Kelly Duckett, obstetrics/gynecology of Life’s Journey in DuBois and Punxsutawney;
• Dr. Lisa Pfingstler, dermatologist of DuBois Dermatology and Cosmetics of DuBois;
• Dr. Purvi Parekh of Penn Highlands Internal Medicine, DuBois;
• Deb DeMuro, certified registered nurse practitioner, of Penn Highlands Women’s Care, Clearfield.
• Candace Cole, RN and nurse navigator at The Lung Center of PH DuBois;
• Heather Griffiths, physician assistant at Penn Highlands Family Practice, Punxsutawney;
• Melissa Hilliard, physician assistant at Penn Highlands General Surgery, DuBois;
• Dr. Ionna Kanellitsas of Penn Highlands Women's Care, DuBois;
• Susan Mitchell, nurse practitioner with The Lung Center of PH DuBois;
• Dr. Christina Pisani-Conway of Penn Highlands Perinatal Consultants, DuBois;
• Dr. Ryan Rice of Penn Highlands Plastic, Reconstructive and Cosmetic Surgery, DuBois and St. Marys;
• Dr. Anujit Singh of Penn Highlands Internal Medicine, St. Marys;
• Dr. Kelley Smith of Penn Highlands General Surgery, DuBois;
• Traci Tyger, physician assistant at Hahne Regional Cancer Center;
• And others.

Rancik said dispelling health care myths will help women make good decisions for better health. What are some of the topics that will be covered? They are:
• Weight and exercise. Get to or maintain a healthy weight by choosing the right foods and moving more.
• Getting enough shut-eye is an important part of staying healthy. “Sleep is just as important to your overall health as diet and exercise. Getting enough sleep can help you maintain your weight, avoid making poor food choices and maintain a positive state of mind.”
• Alcohol and its benefits or lack of benefits. “We all have heard that red wine is healthier than other types of alcohol,” Rancik said. “The truth is that there’s still no clear evidence that red wine is better than other forms of alcohol when it comes to possible heart-healthy benefits.” And there are other positive and negatives facts about alcohol.
• Shield yourself and your family from skin cancer risks. “Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States,” Rancik said. There are dos and don’ts with using sunscreens and getting regular skin exams.
• Many of us have foot pain, Rancik said. It could be a sign of a more serious health problem.
• Know the latest screening recommendations for breast health. Annual mammograms save lives.
• It's OK to talk about sex. “Unfortunately, if you don’t ask what you consider embarrassing questions, you could be jeopardizing your quality of life or even your health,” Rancik said.

“Following the fashion show, providers will mingle with the guests to interact and to be asked questions,” Rancik said.

“Fun and Fancy is designed to bring women as friends and family to an evening that supports them through not only healthy living but also through disease and illness,” she added. “By learning myths and facts about health, hopefully you can be inspired to make lifestyle changes that can promote overall well-being.”

“Gather your friends, wear your fun and fancy clothes and come to enjoy Girls’ Night Out!”

RSVPs are needed for this event by Monday, Oct. 12, by calling 371-9666. Please leave the names of those attending and a contact phone number if you leave a message. Cost is $10 per person to cover the cost of a light meal. Checks can be mailed to The Women’s Health Center of Penn Highlands Healthcare, c/o Lori Rancik, 100 Hospital Ave., DuBois.