Suzanne Doub
In 2017, a trio of dynamic Nantucket women, Meryl Bralower, Melanie Sablehouse, and Janine Borthwick, joined forces with Nantucket Cottage Hospital to spearhead an effort to empower the island’s women, visitors, and residents to take control of their own health.
“Did you know that 80% of health care decisions are made by women? Our goal is to empower women to make the right decisions…[we want them] “It’s important for women to know what to ask their doctors for,” Bralower explained in a previous interview. “We want women to know that they can take charge of their health,” she added. “We want women to not only be their own advocates, but to be advocates for their families.”
Nantucket’s only summer event dedicated to women’s health is returning this month, as Nantucket Cottage Hospital will host its seventh annual Women+Wellness event on Monday, July 22, from 5-7 p.m. General admission tickets are free, but you must reserve in advance to attend at eventbrite.com/e/2024-women-wellness-tickets-896553645087. As of writing, seats are still available for the event, but it is expected to fill up quickly.
Lisa Cleary Lawler and Heather O’Sullivan are co-chairs of the 2024 Women+Wellness event, titled “Breaking down myths about menopause and other tips for taking control of women’s reproductive health.”
A woman’s body undergoes many changes throughout her life, one of the most significant being menopause. Understanding this natural stage and learning how to manage its effects can greatly improve your quality of life.
Cleary Lawler explained that at the end of each Women+Wellness event, she surveys attendees to find out what topics they’re interested in. “This topic has come up a lot. There’s been a lot of talk about menopause lately, so this seemed like the perfect time to have a conversation about it.”
Featured speaker Dr. Cary York-Best has been an attending physician at Massachusetts General Hospital since 1993. He currently serves as Chief of the Division of Benign Gynecology and Obstetrics at Harvard Medical School and Associate Director of Third Year Clinical Practice at Massachusetts General Hospital. In his practice at Massachusetts General Hospital, he cares for many women with advanced pregnancy and has expertise in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, menopause, and the gynecologic care of breast cancer patients. “Dr. York-Best is [to present] She specializes in menopause and has dealt with many difficult cases,” said Dr Cleary Lawler.
Dr York Best’s talk on July 22 will be followed by a short panel discussion with local medical professionals to discuss local options and ensure women know they don’t have to travel off-island for alternative treatments – there’s a level of service that many people aren’t aware of – followed by a Q&A for the audience to voice any concerns they may have. The 2024 Women+Wellness event will conclude with a fun gathering where women can share their experiences and casually chat with experts.
“It’s really great to be able to offer this to the community for free,” said Cleary Lawler. Check-in begins at 4:45 p.m. at the Great Harbour Yacht Club, and participants are urged to allow extra time to beat summer traffic. Free valet parking will be provided.
Menopause usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. However, the process leading up to menopause is called premenopausal syndrome, a stage in which hormone levels fluctuate, causing a variety of physical and emotional changes. Premenopausal syndrome can begin in women in their 30s or 40s. It’s important to prepare yourself mentally and physically for these stages of life.
Knowing the signs and symptoms of perimenopause and menopause can help demystify menopause. Common symptoms include irregular periods, hot flashes, mood swings, and changes in libido.
Navigating menopause and managing a woman’s reproductive health requires understanding the changes occurring in her body and taking proactive steps to stay healthy. Armed with knowledge, supported by medical guidance, and adopting healthy lifestyle habits, women can approach this stage of life with confidence and grace. Every woman’s experience is different, so it’s important to seek support from a medical professional to find the best approach for you.
This education-focused program is designed to help women make the best decisions possible and educate the community about the resources available to them at Nantucket Cottage Hospital and its partnership with Massachusetts General Brigham Health System. If you have any questions about Women+Wellness, please contact the Nantucket Cottage Hospital Foundation at 508-825-8250.
