HI Events & Services - Women's Wellness Initiative
WWi is an opportunity for area women to learn more about preserving and promoting good health. Since beginning in 2003, hundreds of area women have participated in WWi and given the events high praise describing it as the premier event for improving women's health in our community.
Wellness Connections and heart surgeon, Jane Schwabe, MD, at Heartland Regional Medical Center present WWi each year. With much success, the first event attracted more than 1,000 participants and featured fitness pied piper Richard Simmons, area physicians and vendors.
In 2006, WWi brought in keynote speaker and fitness expert Bob Greene, Oprah Winfrey's personal trainer and added a local physician panel, break-out sessions and the announcement of the Pound Plunge winners.
Joan Lunden, former anchor for Good Morning America, was the keynote speaker for WWi in 2007. This event featured area physicians in break-out sessions that spoke to the health issues for specific age groups and included exercise opportunities, a recap of the Pound Plunge year one, 2007 Pound Plunge winners announcement and vendor booths.
In 2008, WWi included two themed events "The Girls of Summer" in July and the "Holiday Prep-Camp," in November; both featured local doctors and other health professionals in break-out sessions.
Dr. Schwabe's dedication to our community and her commitment to helping women and their families improve their health are the reasons WWi exists today.
Heartland Health's Wellness Connections staff led by Kim McManus, RN, assists Dr. Schwabe in making WWi a program that will benefit the women in our community. The Wellness staff is made up of fitness specialists, dietitians and support staff working together to improve the health of Heartland employees and the service area one person at a time.
"I think WWi just gets better and better, I think Heartland folks are great and knowledgeable. Keep up the good work."