Health & Wellness

Are you going through life concerned because you've lost control of your bladder? If so, you're not alone. Millions of women experience involuntary loss of urine, and the most common condition is called urinary stress incontinence.

Almost 40 percent of women age 50 to 70 have pelvic organ prolapse, a condition where one or more pelvic organs fall from their normal position. Symptoms may include pelvic fullness or pressure, incontinence, vaginal pain or bleeding, lower back pain and constipation.

Fortunately, these conditions have a number of treatment options available, according to Dr. Michael and Dr. Rachel Cady, obstetrics and gynecology specialists and surgeons at Riverwood's Specialty Clinic. On Thursday, April 24, they will present a seminar called "Women's Health Issues," addressing urinary stress incontinence and pelvic prolapse. The program will be held from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at First Lutheran Church in Aitkin.

This special seminar will help you understand these conditions and give you valuable information that can make a difference in your everyday life.

For this story and more, pick up this week's Voyageur Press.

The only guarantee we have in life is that we will spend the rest of our lives with ourselves. Ponder this for a moment. This is one of the things I took away with me from Liz Dean’s inspirational Women’s Retreat at Big Sandy Lodge, February 25, 2006. Investing in yourself and being good to yourself are some of the things Liz is trying to impress upon women.

Modern women are so busy multi-tasking that they forget to take time for themselves. Liz has set out to help women find a balance in their lives. She has geared her new business toward individuals and businesses. Her Peace and Passion Women’s Retreat is only one of her many endeavors to support the well being of people.

There was a wonderful turn-out for Liz’s first retreat. The setting of Big Sandy Lodge made this event quite inspiring. We all felt welcomed as we registered for the day’s events by the fireplace. It was great to see many familiar faces during the opening time as we all enjoyed the refreshments. In the conference room on the lower level of the lodge, soothing music greeted us.

Liz shared with us that she was nervous. She was very honest with us, telling about both the hills and the valleys she has traveled through in her life. A few tears were shed and lots of laughter was shared. I was most impressed with Liz’s openness and how inspirational her speaking was. “Take responsibility for your life and live with peace and passion,” is one of the phrases Liz used to put things into perspective. Liz gave us many ideas on activities that will help to support a lifestyle of peace and passion...

Read more about Liz's Peace & Passion retreat in this week's Voyageur Press or visit her web site at http://www.LDeanCompany.com.