Breakout Descriptions

Wendy Battles-Plasse
Clean Eating, Self Awareness and the Power of Prevention
What do you get when you combine clean eating and increased self-awareness? The power of prevention! In this dynamic workshop you will learn 5 secrets to age vibrantly and prevent chronic disease that will empower and energize you. Let’s kick chronic aches and pains and copious amounts of medication to the curb by taking simple, healthy steps that all start with YOU!

Terri Cain
What? Me Worry? A Tension Taming Yoga Practice
Relive your worrying mind by releasing into this restorative yoga practice. Whether you have an occasional sleepless night, or experience panic attacks, yoga can help through breathing techniques and asanas (postures) that help ease your body and mind into a relaxation response. This session is appropriate for all levels of fitness, including those without prior yoga experience.

Terri Cain
Got 10 minutes? Yes, you CAN practice Yoga anywhere (almost)
This session is for you whether you already take yoga classes or have wanted to practice yoga and have just not found the time. Join us in learning that yoga body/mind connection! In this class we will explore taking Yoga with you - at home or on the road. By the end of the hour you will have a yoga practice to take with you. Suitable for all levels of fitness. Please bring mat.

Sarah Collins
Step into Health: Getting 10,000 steps a day
Pedometers are an excellent way to encourage activity and improve wellness. It is an easy way to add exercise in everyday activity and feel more energy. Ever wonder why all the emphasis on 10,000 steps a day, how a pedometer works and where to wear a pedometer for maximal effectiveness? This presentation will address these frequently asked questions about stepping into health and provide information on proper walking technique. A pedometer will be given out to those who sign up for a free Woman At Heart membership.

Maryanne Daniel
Racewalk for Fitness
This Olympic Track and Field event can be used as a very effective fitness tool. Racewalking has a unique technique, more than just fast walking, it utilizes the upper thighs and lower abs in a dynamic way, each mile of Racewalking is equivalent of doing 50 crunches. Participants will gain a good understanding of the technique and the physiology and then be able to try it out in the hallway. To get the most out of the session, participants should wear close fitting pants around the knee or tights as to be able to see the knee action. From beginner to advanced, Racewalking can be done at any speed. Learn the racewalking technique for fitness or competition. It is easier on your joints, yet allows for as much intensity as you wish. Learn the rolling style that will enable more speed and use it to cross train for running; it strengthens hamstrings and upper body with low impact and burns more calories than running at the same speed.

Alicia Farrell, Ph.D.
Unplug Your Fear and Change Your Life
Fear is our biggest barrier to change and personal growth. Because of our fears, most of us avoid change at all cost. Instead we use our energy to complain, blame or simply live our lives in quiet desperation. In this workshop you will lean how to harness your fears as a catalyst to change. You will also complete the workshop with deep insights into the fears that are holding you back and you will start to develop a personal plan for how you will overcome these fears to make positive and lasting changes in your life.

Lisa Freed, M.D.
Women and Heart Disease: How to Prevent a Broken Heart
This lecture will address the prevention of cardiovascular disease. Emphasis will be on the cardiac risk factors (hypertension, hyperlipidemia, cigarette smoking, diabetes, obesity/inactivity, age, and family history), how the cardiac risk factors are defined, and how they can be controlled and treated. We will meet with a patient who has had a heart attack and hear her story and wisdom. In general, I strive to make women aware of the data and empower them to participate in their own care. Despite much recent press and research, the high prevalence of cardiovascular disease in women, the difference in presentation, and a course for women has not completely been absorbed into the medical field. Women need to demand appropriate medical care for their hearts and this lecture is designed to enable them to do so.

Marsha Guess
Gotta go, gotta go? Just say NO!
Brace yourself for an uplifting forum designed to educate women about pelvic organ prolapse, overactive bladder, and urinary incontinence. Lose your fears of discussing these common problems and come and learn about the signs and symptoms associated with these disorders, what to expect if you seek treatment for these problems as well as cutting-edge scientific advances in conservative and surgical treatment options for women suffering from these conditions. Bathroom breaks allowed.

Nancy Hammett
Nia Dance...For all levels
In this workshop you will learn how to become a Nia Sensation Scientist. You will learn to research “The Body’s Way” to develop body literacy, or the ability to “hear,” understand, and consciously respond to the information your body sends to you via sensation. This is the Nia way of gaining information about your body and your current state of health and wellness. Nia is a sensory-based, barefoot movement practice that leads to health, wellness, and fitness. It empowers people of all shapes and sizes by connecting the body, mind, emotions, and spirit, all drawing from disciplines of the martial arts, dance arts, and healing arts.

Suzanne Hanley
Tai Chi for All Levels of Experience
A presentation of Tai Chi that is simple and easy to learn. The moves help to improve balance and flexibility. The presentation will include breath work, warm-up exercises, and playing with tai chi and chi gong. Handouts will be provided to enable the participants to continue at home on their own. When one does Tai Chi the correct term is to play “Tai Chi.” This is an active program for all levels of participation.

Michaela Hauser-Wagner
Mindful Movement From Your Space Within
Movement begins in the way we release tiny bones and ligaments in the foot and contact the ground; body coordination is based on free muscles in legs and pelvis; movement is connected to the way we allow breath to fill our lungs; balance is tied into the release of neck muscles so that the head can be free on top of the spine; strength is rooted in deep postural muscles without the over-activity of outer movement muscles. In this workshop participants are exploring movement on many levels. By connecting mindfully with our inner body space and the outer environmental space, we explore how the conditions around us influence our being and we can begin to stop ourselves mentally from unwanted reactions.

Dana Hilmer
Lovin’ Life Daily: Live a Healthier, Simpler, More Passionate Life Today!
This inspiring, thought-provoking, and interactive presentation will highlight some key things we can do in our everyday lives to be healthier and live more passionately. Learn how to simplify and declutter your life of the physical and emotional stuff that bogs you down. Learn to say YES to saying NO. Learn to make peace with that dreaded “to do list.” Learn to live in the moment. Declare your dreams – when we state what we are after, great things happen. Join the convocation and leave with ideas and inspiration to make positive changes in your life.

Lisa Kennally
Make Your Own Skin Care
The focus of this presentation is a hands on demonstration of how to make simple "spa" like skincare recipes that women can make and use at home. The audience will be able to make products in the class that they can take home. Examples are lip balm, facial masks, exfoliating scrubs and more! Let's have some hands on fun while learning at the same time and with a product to take home too!

Diane Kowalsky
The Good, Bad and the Ugly
Join Pathologist Diane Kowalski for a tour of the human body and the physiological challenges our organs face. HPV, cancer and various diseases that affect women today will be explored, with plenty of time for questions and answers. This session is not for the faint of heart, as this interactive hour will include a safe hands-on viewing of human organs.

Jodi Krizer Graber
Committed and Comfortable: Love the Skin You're In
This presentation outlines the essential habits which are necessary for a healthy and fulfilled life. Dispelled are the myths that are made popular by the marketing and advertising industries. Real life solutions to the wellness challenges women face ever day will be provided. So many women seek approval from others (spouse, family, boss, colleagues) and then it becomes easy to blame others for the blocks that prevent self-growth. You will be led through exercises and a discussion to better understand the choices we make and why. Participants will gain a clear understanding of how the decisions they make affect their well being and you will leave with simple tools that can be used immediately to be comfortable in your own skin.

Deb Manke, MS, RN, HNP, AHN-BC, ANP-BC
Harnessing Eustress (good stress)
This presentation will discuss “good stress,” along with distress and stress reduction in the current day, yet focus on take home tools and a deeper awareness of ones innate ability to create harmony in day to day life regardless of what surrounds us. Benefits, uses, applications of various aromatherapies will be discussed. Participants will sample and find a connection with a particular essential oil and create an aromatic vial to take home.

Jennifer McManuS, RN, BSN
The Power of Mindful Pilates Movement
This workshop is designed to provide the individual with a balanced workout to improve core strength, develop spinal flexibility, improve postural alignment, increase bone density, and reduce physical and mental stress in the body. Breath-work and visual imagery are two of the Pilates principles that are incorporated into this session. Pilates is a total body exercise that is non-impact ,helps eliminate stress on joints, and is safe and effective for all ages. Participants will leave the session feeling energized, invigorated and standing a little taller. Bring a mat and towel and an open mind. This class will be taught at a beginner's level. “Designed to give you suppleness, grace and skill that will be unmistakably reflected in the way you walk, the way you play, and in the way you work” - Joseph Pilates

Sandy Natarelli
Cha, Cha, Cha Your Way to Cardio Fitness
Used to be that you would learn latin dances at a traditional dance studio, but now they can be part of an exciting workout. Let the upbeat music energize your body, spike your heart rate and get you sweating. It's is fun and easy to learn and challenges and strengthens your body.

Lubna Pal
Relevance of Vitamin D for Women's Health
What IS vitamin D, and why should you care? It turns out it’s more complicated than drinking milk or enjoying the sunshine. This session will explore why vitamin D is important for overall health, what causes Vitamin D deficiency, and what the implications are for your overall health. Vitamin D is important for calcium absorption, bone health, and immune functioning. In this workshop, you’ll learn simple strategies that will optimize your vitamin D absorption. Who knew?

Judy Perry and Patricia O'Brien
Getting It Together
Join us in experiencing the unique healing combination of Patricia O’Brien, award winning poet and breast cancer survivor, and Judy Perry, award winning visual artist and miraculous automobile crash survivor. "Getting It Together" will give the audience the opportunity to personally experience the healing journey of Judy's physical health guided by the progression of her artistic skills, eloquently brought to life by Patricia’s poetry. Judy will present her artistic work, both before and after her "defining moment," when she experienced a near fatal automobile accident, and Patricia will eloquently read her prose, bringing each of Judy's paintings to life.

Judy’s and Patricia's lives were brought together by chance when Patricia was assigned to be Judy's social worker, following her life-saving surgery at Yale New Haven Hospital. Throughout the presentation, you will experience the deep and lasting friendship they share as a result of their interconnected artistic paths. By experiencing their healing journey, they will offer inspiration and hope to others.

Janet Pfeiffer
Dealing With Really B~A~D People: Bullies, Aggressive, Difficult
Workplace bullies and difficult people infiltrate every walk of life. Who are they and why do they behave that way? What are their core issues and how do you live, work or coexist effectively with them? This presentation will address those issues while providing the skills and techniques to diffuse their hostile behavior. Knowing exactly what to say and avoid saying will enable to you to calm them down and gain their respect and cooperation. Participants will identify the difficult party (it may surprise you!), assess the situation and uncover the core issues, learn effective skills to diffuse a tense situation, protect yourself from being the target, and eliminate blame, judgment, and accusations that hinder your efforts.

Rachel Ryan
“Muscle, Metabolism and Menopause”
This interactive presentation will provide women with information on how our metabolisms change as we go through the pre-, peri- and post-menopausal years. Specific focus will be on how lean muscle mass is gained and lost through lack of exercise, not just by aging. The program will address myths surrounding muscle mass, metabolism, and ageism. Attendees will have an opportunity to participate in exercises specifically designed to increase bone density and lean strong muscles, while attaining greater balance and flexibility. In addition, how diet and nutrition play an important role in keeping and attaining muscle mass while shedding fat, will be provided.

Lydia Smith
Women’s Empowerment Drum Circle
Women have been drumming together since the beginning of time. We have been following the cycles of the moon and tuning in to the rhythms of our heart and intuition, to bond and celebrate! Now, there is a resurgence of this call to our rhythmic life. Women around the world are gathering in drum circles sharing their beat with a renewed sense of purpose. Boost your immune system and learn practical stress reduction techniques as you connect to both inner and world rhythms. REMO’S HealthRHYTHMS is a fun nourishing evidenced-based protocol that includes beneficial health strategies such as self-expression, exercise, music-making, spiritual connection, visualization and community building. This is a unique opportunity to explore your sound and rhythm in a supportive, fun environment. Drums and percussion provided or bring your own. No experience necessary.

Fern S. Tausig
Happiness is a Choice
Today's stress filled environment is making it more and more challenging to feel happiness in our everyday lives. We are continuously bombarded with bad news and uncertainty about the future. Everyone wants to be happy but not everyone knows how to find happiness. Most of what causes our unhappiness is negative thoughts that come from those around us or from our previous programming. This is often reinforced with our own negative self talk. Once we learn to control our thoughts, we are free to be more creative, reduce our stress and find happiness in our lives. Most people, when asked, "what will it take to make you happy?" respond with something in the future or something they don't have. As a hypnotist and educator, Fern will teach each participant how to define happiness as something in the present that they are already experiencing. This is an interactive workshop that includes easy to learn self hypnosis techniques, the goal of which is for participants to be able to control their self talk and connect with their inner power in order to discover happiness through an attitude of gratitude. Handouts will be provided with suggestions for positive self talk, as well as instructions for self hypnosis techniques.

Dr. Leigh White (morning session)
Naturopathic Medicine: A proactive approach to health balance
Naturopathic medicine is based on the belief that the human body has an innate healing ability. Naturopathic doctors (NDs) teach their patients to use diet, exercise, lifestyle changes and natural therapies to enhance their bodies' ability to achieve and maintain balance. This dynamic workshop will give you an in-depth look at what naturopathic medicine is and how it compares to conventional medicine. Today, people are interested in becoming better educated about their health; about understanding what their choices are, and being more proactive about preventing chronic illness.

Dr. Leigh White (afternoon session)
I’m Full of What??!!! Get it OUT!!
We all know that the world is filled with chemicals. They may be useful, but are they overwhelming our bodies? Pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, cleaners, air “fresheners” (UGH!!). Come learn about identifying toxins in your home and work environments (in your body, too!) and choosing alternatives to decrease your exposure. Supporting the release, process, and excretion of toxins will also be discussed. Sadly, we will never live in a bubble of purity but we each can make choices every day to minimize our exposure to things that interfere with our optimal health.

Lynn Wracan
Metabolic Bootcamp
Traditionally, most resistance training workouts have been performed in a straight set format -- meaning you perform 10-12 reps for 3 sets for each muscle group. A more successful and time-efficient approach is doing a metabolic workout. What is a metabolic workout? It is a total body workout in alternating sets or circuit format that combines the muscle building benefits of resistance training with the cardiovascular benefits of cardio training. The result is a killer bootcamp-style workout that will supercharge metabolism for up to 48 hours post-workout, build lean muscle, blast belly fat, promote rapid weight loss, and get you into the best shape of your life with only three 30-minuite express workouts per week. Class can be 10 to 30 minutes, depending on what you are looking for. Lynn will begin her bootcamp by explaining how to protect your joints and showing the proper form while you are working out. There will be a series of stations that will be user friendly for all ages and fitness levels.