Area Women Gather at Bridges Medical Center
to Hear the Latest on Issues That Affect Them

"The three most important things that a person can do for their health are exercise, diet, and to stop smoking," said Dr. Talitha Sannes-Venhuizen as she addressed 36 area women at the Healthcare Issues for the Mature Woman program. The event was hosted by the Bridges Foundation's Community Relations Committee. Topics covered in the presentation included immunizations, cholesterol, osteoporosis, menopause, and many more. Comments from guests at the event were included on anonymous surveys following the event. "She is a very good speaker," said one guest, "quick and to the point." Another commented, "She really covered all the topics of interest to women."

Dr. Sannes-Venhuizen has a family practice at St. Mary's Innovis in Detroit Lakes. She is a graduate of the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and did her residency in St. Cloud. St. Mary's, Detroit Lakes, and Innovis, Fargo, are part of the same Essentia Health Care System as Bridges and the other members of Essentia Community Hospitals and Clinics. Hospitality and Teamwork are two of the organization's core values as is evident in cooperative community programs such as this.

Healthcare Issues for the Mature Woman was just the first in a series of events planned by the Community Relations Committee. The committee is composed of local volunteers who have made a commitment to support and improve health care in the community and to provide educational and informational opportunities to the public. Upcoming events will be announced on Bridges' website and in local media.