Free services offered Those who attended the Women Hundreds of women traveled to Central Lakes College in Staples Feb. 20, to attend the “Laugh and Live Well - Women’s Health Expo,” sponsored by Lakewood Health System.

Nola Veralik, Women’s Health Coordinator at LHS, said that the biennial event just keeps getting better and better.

“We have over 80 vendors here this year, as well as some fabulous speakers; great prizes and great food,” Nola said. “It’s exciting to have something like

this in Staples.”

This year’s theme was “Laugh and Live Well: Her

Story;” and attendees had the opportunity to hear first hand from the women whose stories had been featured in “Her Story,” a LHS publication.

Women like Kris Posner, who talked about surviving breast cancer; and Iras Chapin who shared about her struggles with depression.

Other “Her Story” topics included infertility and sleep disorders.

“I think it helps to learn that you are not alone,” Nola said. “It’s wonderful that these women have been willing to share their stories and help others in the process. They wanted people to know that if they could do it, anyone could.”

Other break-out sessions included “Managing it All...Seeking Work Life Balance,” led by Julie Eggers Huber, psychologist and Deb Herbaugh, nurse specialist; and “Eat This, Not That,” led by Kelly Coughlin, dietitian.

Dr. Carol Uhlman, OB/

GYN led a “Heart to Heart - Embarrassing Questions Answered” session; and Dr. Amy Lelwica, orthopedic surgeon, spoke about “Arthritis: Restoring Your

Mobility, Restoring Your Life.”

Many women reported that they had attended the Women’s Health Expo in the past; but there were those who were there for the first time.

Tickled Laughter filled the room during a Sandy Carlson of Staples had never attended the Women’s Health Expo before.

“I didn’t realize that it was such a big event,” she said. “It’s been a lot of fun so far and I have learned a lot, too,” Sandy added.

Sandy said she enjoyed the Laugh Yoga session, led by Bev Nelson; and enjoyed a free massage from LHS massage therapist Laura Martini. “I guess I came because I wanted to do something for myself,” Sandy said.

Marlys Prindle of Staples was a first-time attendee as well. “I read about it in the paper and thought it sounded interesting. I’m really glad I came,” Marlys said, adding that she came with her daughter and granddaughter. “My granddaughter’s in Colla Voce and they’re singing at lunch...I couldn’t miss that.”

Jackie Harkom of Staples had attended the expo two years ago. “It’s a wonderful day. You have to do something different every once in awhile.”

After lunch, the women enjoyed listening to keynote speaker Robin Getman, whose message was “Laughing to Your Toes.” Robin is a humorous motivational speaker from the InterACT Group in Minneapolis.

“I’ll definitely be back next time they have this,” Marlys added. “It’s been a great day.”