Charleston’s Embassy Suites Convention Center became Foodie Heaven for a few hours last week.  Eleven premiere local chefs served up their signature dishes for more than 360 guests who attended the annual Chef’s Auction on October 29th.  The tasting was followed by a silent and upbeat live auction of scores of unique items donated by local supporters.  The chefs, in addition to providing the many first class dishes, also generously donated imaginative dining packages to the auction.  There was spirited but friendly bidding for all of the desirable items.  MUSC Women’s Services was proud to be a top sponsor and early reports indicate that this year’s event raised more than $83,000 for the Charleston chapter.  Thanks to all who contributed to this wonderful cause and made the evening so successful.   

On the heels of the auction is Prematurity Awareness Month.  November 2009 marks the sixth Prematurity Awareness Month, and November 17th the sixth Prematurity Awareness Day.  The alarming increase in premature births over the past decade prompted the March of Dimes to launch a campaign to raise public awareness of premature birth and to find ways to reduce the occurrence.  We invite you to visit the following website, marchofdimes.com/fightforpreemies, where you can learn more about the tolls of premature birth, find out what you can do to help raise awareness, or make a donation and create a virtual band to celebrate, honor or remember a baby.

Pictures from March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction

Watch The Savage Report on Comcast 2 today and tomorrow as they explore the flu shot controversy-- giving you both sides of the debate.  Dr. David Soper will be on to discuss swine flu and the risks to pregnant women, plus a discussion of vaccinating pregnant women, possible risks, what pregnant women should do, etc.

MUSC Gynecologic Oncologist, Dr. Jennifer Young, spoke at the press conference for Lowcountry Women with Wings on Wednesday, September 30th.  Dr. Young encouraged women to learn more about the symptoms of ovarian cancer, which may lead to early detection of this deadly disease.  Below are pictures from the event by Penny Hoey Photography.

• Symptoms of ovarian cancer

In our family roles as wives, mothers, daughters, nutritional coaches, and caregivers, we women make countless healthcare decisions.  The groceries we buy and the food we prepare determine lifelong preferences for our families.  Our conversations with our children about drugs, alcohol, and sex may have lasting impact on their behavior.  And from well-baby checks for our infants to end-of-life care for our parents, we make countless choices about where our families receive medical treatment.  In fact, it is estimated that 80% of all health care decisions are made by women.

Women Leading Wellness is a workshop series sponsored by women faculty of MUSC in partnership with the Center for Women.  As women we understand the complexities, challenges, and joys of our multiple family roles.  The goal of the series is to engage with the women of the tri-county community to discuss the pressing concerns of women as healthcare leaders within their families and within society.  Each workshop will consist of a panel discussion with MUSC women and community women, with plenty of time allotted for free-ranging discussion with participants.

Please click on www.musc.edu/women for a complete listing of the workshops and for registration information.  Call your sister or best friend, and join us for evenings of discussion that will educate and inspire you in one of the most important roles of your life – a woman leading wellness for her family.

The Center for Women will be announcing its newest program, Lowcountry Women with Wings, at 11 a.m. Wednesday, September 30.  The event will take place at Colonial Lake, at the intersection of Queen Street and Rutledge Avenue. September is ovarian cancer awareness month.

Representatives from a wide variety of women’s organizations from the Lowcountry as well as ovarian cancer patients and survivors have been invited to attend the press conference. Speakers will include Jennet Robinson Alterman, Executive Director of the Center for Women; Jennifer Young, MD, Gynecologic Oncologist at MUSC and Veronica Walsh, ovarian cancer survivor and entrepreneur.

The Lowcountry Women with Wings program provides online and individual, local resources for ovarian cancer patients, survivors and their families.  The goal of the program is to raise awareness of ovarian cancer by teaching the symptoms, demonstrating the urgent need for ovarian cancer testing and research and offering non-medical support to the women who have been diagnosed. 

“In 2008 The Center received a donation from ovarian cancer patient Terry Scharstein to develop a program that helps women battle the non-medical issues, as well as the disease,” said Jennet Robinson Alterman, executive director of the Center for Women.  “We are delighted to unveil our expanded website and outreach program which includes a list of local volunteers who are offering their expertise gratis to assist with the non-medical issues such as filing for disability, understanding health insurance claims and terminology, as well as legal and financial considerations.”

Every year in the U.S more than 20,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer and within 5 years 15,000 will be dead.           

The outreach program will include the distribution of ovarian cancer awareness information to every OB/GYN in Charleston County.  The Francis Marion Hotel is underwriting this outreach effort.

The Lowcountry Women with Wings program was developed with the generous support of Blue Cross Blue Shield of S.C., Amanda’s Fund of the Coastal Community Foundation and the many friends of Terry Scharstein.

The event will also showcase the Lowcountry Women with Wings logo, an original piece donated by local artist L. Jaye Bell.  In celebration of ovarian cancer patient’s lives, this artwork will be displayed on banners at Colonial Lake.  The logo is based on the program’s “rising above ovarian cancer” theme and features a winged woman with a heart resting on her pelvic area. 

The new Citadel Mall IMAX® Stadium 16 is opening and they are only charging $1.00 a ticket.  Check out the flyer above.  All of the proceeds benefit the Lowcountry Division of the March of Dimes. 

On Tuesday, August 18th from 6:00p.m.-10:00p.m., Manny’s Neighborhood Grill in West Ashley is giving 10% of their pre-tax receipts to the March of Dimes!

This is an easy way to support the March of Dimes mission – just take the family out to eat!

FREE talk
May 6, 2009
9:15 a.m.
Citadel Mall
Dillard’s common area

MUSC’s Anne Brand, CNM and Allison Nissen, CNM will address what every woman should know about the tradition of midwifery.  For those interested in midwifery and other women’s health topics, this is a great opportunity to get information from highly skilled physicians and nurses.

These talks will be given on the first Wednesday of every month.  No registration required.

MUSC offers a class on basic newborn care once every month for expectant parents.  The classes are open to the community and free of charge.  The purpose of the class is to provide information on baby topics such as - baby's appearance and behavior, skin care and dressing, feeding, minor problems and signs of illness, safety, immunizations and follow-up care, and sibling behavior.  The goal of the class is to increase parental knowledge and comfort level regarding newborn care.

The instructors for the classes are registered nurses who work in the newborn/special care nursery at MUSC, so you may see them again when you come to the hospital.  They are specially trained in assisting parents in caring for their newborns, and they have a sincere interest in parent education.  The instructors use lecture, PowerPoint presentations, handouts and demonstrations for teaching, and these individuals constantly seek ways to improve their teaching strategies and to remain current in the information provided.  Parent involvement is encouraged and questions are always welcomed.

All classes are held the second Thursday of each month from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Classes are held in 2 West Classroom in Main Hospital. Parking is available in the garage or G-lot.  To register, please call (843) 792-5300.

by:  Deborah West, MSN, RN
Neonatal Educator

Request an appointment with a MUSC provider.

FREE talk
April 1, 2009
9:15 a.m.
Citadel Mall
Dillard's common area

Margaret Villers, M.D., MUSC OB/GYN, will address what every woman should know about HPV and the HPV vaccine. 

For those interested in HPV and other women's health topics, this is a great opportunity to get information from a highly skilled physician.  These talks will be given on the first Wednesday of every month.  No registration required.