West Vancouver's Kay Meek Centre is playing host to not one but two public health talks this week.
The North Shore News caught up with the presenters behind each to find out more.
First up is North Shore resident Maureen McGrath, a registered nurse and host of CKNW's Sunday Night Sex Show. She's presenting Hot Flash in the City: An Evening of Menopausal Proportions Tuesday, Nov. 17 at 6 p.m.
North Shore News: What can you tell me about Hot Flash in the City?
McGrath: It is an inspirational, educational, health and networking event for women where men are welcome too! The documentary Hot Flash Havoc will be presented, which is a provocative and enlightening look at the confusion and misrepresentations regarding menopause. It is the first film to address the issue of menopause head-on. It is laugh-out-loud funny with new medical information and lots of humour. More information and understanding will help people to understand sexual health, overall health and relationships at menopause. If you are a woman, love a woman or live with a woman, this is a must-attend event.
North Shore News: Why was this something you wanted to offer?
McGrath: I held this event two years ago at the Vancity Theatre in Vancouver to a sold-out crowd. At that event, many women told me they had been experiencing vaginal dryness, painful sex and leakage of urine and these issues were negatively affecting their relationship. Their doctors did not know what to do and often dismissed their complaints telling them that they should expect their vaginas to dry up or that after menopause many people don't have sex. This is simply not true. I have had many requests from women all over the province to hold it again.. .. Through my clinical practice, I could see that it was time to raise more awareness about women's health at menopause and beyond. Sexual health is still such a taboo subject yet women and men are desperate for this information. I will be presenting on some of the more common sexual health issues and treatment strategies for both.
North Shore News: Who is the event tailored towards?
McGrath: Perimenopausal, menopausal and post menopausal women experiencing quality of life issues like hot flashes, night sweats, mood issues, sleep problems, vaginal dryness, bladder leaks and/or low libido to name a few. Health-care providers from nurses, to physiotherapists, pharmacists to doctors to care aides are welcome and are sure to benefit so that they may pass the information on to their patients.
North Shore News: Are these issues tough for some women to discuss?
McGrath: Yes, many of these issues, like urinary incontinence, prolapse and leakage of urine, are embarrassing and may make some women feel old and less than sexy. Women do not realize there are a number of treatment options. ... Knowledge is power and women feel empowered when they know that they are not alone and they have options for treatments. Women need accurate, up-to-date information to ensure safe and appropriate health care.
North Shore News: What do you hope audience members walk away with?
McGrath: Better informed and educated about this transitional time of life.
North Shore News: Who else will be joining you in the presentation and what will they speak to?
McGrath: Dr. Unjali Malhotra, a women's health and menopause specialist, will speak about the menopausal years before, during and after.. .. Dr. John Vyselaar is a cardiologist at Lion's Gate Hospital and he will talk about heart disease.
Hot Flash in The City will also be presented Nov. 18 in Coquitlam at the Evergreen Cultural Centre and Nov. 19 at the Scotiabank Theatre in Vancouver. Tickets ($30) and info, visit backtothebedroom.ca.
The second health talk is being presented by Genome British Columbia and is titled Bringing Genomics Home: Your DNA: A Blueprint for Better Health. The talk will be presented at Kay Meek Wednesday, Nov. 18 at 7 p.m. The North Shore News caught up with the organization's vice-president, communications and education, Sally Greenwood, a North Vancouver resident to find out more.
North Shore News: What can you tell me about Bringing Genomics Home?
Greenwood: Genomics is the science that aims to decipher and understand the entire genetic information of an organism. Bringing Genomics Home is Genome British Columbia's signature speaker series created to share advances and answer questions about this science. These free talks put the public face-to-face with leading experts on varying topics related to genomics. To date topics have covered everything from bee biology to human health.
North Shore News: Why was this something you wanted to offer?
Greenwood: In addition to research, Genome B.C. is committed to openness, meaningful dialogue, public outreach, and educational leadership, and as such, seeks to foster understanding and appreciation of the significance of genomics and proteomics science and technology among the general public.
North Shore News: Who is the event tailored towards?
Greenwood: This talk is geared towards anyone and everyone interested in understanding personalized medicine. The presenters will explore some of the key areas of advancement genomics is expected to impact in B.C. over the next several years.
North Shore News: Why is this topic something community members should learn more about?
Greenwood: Personalized or precision medicine will bring about a tsunami of change for everyone. The way disease is understood, diagnosed and treated will all be impacted so it's important to understand and stay current with this science. Precision medicine will place more power in the hands of consumers and aims to improve patient outcomes for all.
North Shore News: What do you hope audience members walk away with?
Greenwood: Our hope is that the audience gleans a better understanding and appreciation for what personalized or precision medicine is, what it will mean for healthcare and patients and the strides being made right here in B.C.
North Shore News: Who are the featured speakers and what are their presentation topics?
Greenwood: Genome B.C. is delighted to be hosting the following experts:
- 1. Brad Popovich PhD, Genome B.C. - Personalized Medicine: What's the prescription for B.C. in the next five years?
- 2. Dr. Joseph Connors, B.C. Cancer Agency - Cancer: Unlocking a genetically driven disease.
- 3. Stuart Turvey, B.C. Children's Hospital - Mystery Patients: Using genomic tools to help diagnose and treat rare disease.
- 4. Dr. Mel Krajden, B.C. Centre for Disease Control - Hepatitis C: 25 years from discovery to cure.
Bringing Genomics Home is a free event. For more information, visit genomebc.ca.
